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Academic Training Employment Authorization for J-1 Students

Academic Training is an employment authorization for J-1 students in valid status. It can be used during your academic program and/or after you complete your studies. If your DS-2019 was not issued by American University, please consult with your Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor to determine your eligibility and to receive authorization.

You must receive employment authorization from ISSS before you report for your job/internship.

Academic Training can be authorized during your program of study, after completion, or a combination of both. To be eligible for Academic Training, J-1 students must demonstrate all of the following:

  • Your primary purpose in the United States must be study, not employment.
  • You must be in good academic standing. Proposed employment must be directly related to your field of study.
  • Throughout your studies and Academic Training you must maintain valid J-1 status, and apply for extensions as necessary.
  • You must maintain health insurance coverage for yourself and all J-2 dependents throughout your program and Academic Training.

Total Academic Training may not exceed the length of the course of study (i.e. if your course of study is 10 months, your Academic Training may not exceed 10 months total).

Academic Training may be authorized for the length of time necessary to complete the objectives of the training program, as determined by the academic advisor and Responsible Officer (ISSS advisor).

There is a maximum of 18 months of total Academic Training, even if your academic program is longer than 18 months.

Academic Training can be either part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) before or after completion of your program of study.  

Part-time Academic Training is subtracted from the total eligible amount of Academic Training at the same rate as full-time Academic Training (i.e., a student who uses 4 months of part-time Academic Training will have 4 months deducted from the total number of months of Academic Training available).

Application Process

  1. Meet with your advisor in the Abroad at AU program about the off-campus training/job. Academic Training cannot be authorized until at least 30 days after the start date on your DS-2019.
  2. Submit the Request for Academic Training e-form on iEagle. You will need to upload a copy of your job offer letter. The letter should be on company letterhead and contain the following information:
    • Job title and description of responsibilities
    • Name of supervisor
    • Salary or wage if applicable (if requesting for after completion of your program of study, the position must be compensated)
    • Training start and end dates (work must begin within 30 days of completion of your program if you are requesting post-completion Academic Training)
    • Number of hours per week

3. The request will be routed to your Abroad at AU advisor for approval.

4. After Abroad at AU approval, your request will be routed to A J-1 Responsible Officer (ISSS advisor) to make a final determination if the training/job offered meets requirements for Academic Training. If Academic Training is approved, a new DS-2019 will be issued within 3-5 business days. You will be notified when the new DS-2019 is ready for pick-up.

Post-Completion Academic Training

If you do not submit a completed application at least 2 weeks prior to your program completion date, you lose your eligibility for Academic Training.

Note: Academic Training cannot be authorized until at least 30 days after the start date on your DS-2019.

For-Credit

Contact ISSS to request Academic Training once you are registered for the internship course.

LLM, JD, and SJD students: Complete the WCL externship contract. ISSS will be automatically notified to process your Academic Training approval once the contract is complete.

Non-Credit

  1. Meet with your academic advisor about the off-campus training/job.
  2. Submit the Request for Academic Training e-form on iEagle. You will need to upload a copy of your job offer letter. The letter should be on company letterhead and contain the following information:
    • Job title and description of responsibilities
    • Name of supervisor
    • Salary or wage if applicable (if requesting for after completion of your program of study, the position must be compensated)
    • Training start and end dates (work must begin within 30 days of completion of your program if you are requesting post-completion Academic Training)
    • Number of hours per week

3. The request will be routed to your academic advisor for approval.

4. After academic advisor approval, your request will be routed to A J-1 Responsible Officer (ISSS advisor) to make a final determination if the training/job offered meets requirements for Academic Training. If Academic Training is approved, a new DS-2019 will be issued within 3-5 business days. You will be notified when the new DS-2019 is ready for pick-up.

Post-Completion Academic Training

If you do not submit a completed application at least 2 weeks prior to your program completion date, you lose your eligibility for Academic Training.

ISSS will automatically be notified to process your Academic Training approval once you are registered for the internship course. Contact your advisor in the Washington Semester Program if you have questions regarding your internship.

If Academic Training is approved, a new DS-2019 will be issued within 3-5 business days. You will be notified when the new DS-2019 is ready for pick-up.

Washington Semester Students may not engage in Academic Training post-completion of studies. 

Required Evaluation

All Academic Training must be evaluated for successful completion.

Students must complete the J-1 Student Academic Training Evaluation Form (PDF) at the end of the Academic Training. This is required for both pre- and post-completion academic training.

J-1 students in the Washington Semester and Graduate Professional Studies programs do not need to fill out this form.

Find Internships

  • The AU Career Center can help international students navigate the US job market. Advisors are available to help you learn how to maximize and market your background and skills.

  • The Kogod Office of Career Engagement specifically works with students pursuing a degree in the Kogod School of Business. International students in Kogod can make an appointment with a career advisor and utilize resources designed for business students.

  • The Washington College of Law Office of Career & Professional Development helps AU law students find externships and other job opportunities. Career counselors are available to help you with resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies.