Academic Training (J-1)

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 per week during vacation breaks.

Eligibility

• Must be in J-1 status.
• Must be in good academic standing (including a minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduates, 3.0 GPA for graduates).
• Must be currently enrolled and registered for classes.
• Must be authorized by ISSS. 

Procedures

1. Review the eligibility requirements.
2. Submit confirmation of job offer letter to ISSS via e-mail.
3. Begin working after receiving and signing the updated Form DS-2019 via AdobeSign. 

NOTE: Students that do not have a Social Security Number should apply for a social security letter at the same time.

Eligibility

• The student is primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training;
• The student is participating in academic training that is directly related to his or her major field of study at the post-secondary accredited academic institution listed on his or her Form DS-2019;
• The student is in good academic standing with the post-secondary accredited academic institution; and
• The student receives written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training.
• You have a valid Form DS-2019 that enables you to remain in the U.S. in J-1 student status.
  • You must apply for extensions as needed and in a timely manner.
• You must have permission granted before you will be eligible to work.  Therefore you must turn in the following paperwork and receive a new DS-2019.

Time limitations

• Does not exceed 18 months total
• Is less than the time spent in the J-1 program

How to Apply for Academic Training

1. Have a formal employment offer, written on official stationery (letterhead) from your potential academic training employer. The job offer letter from your employer must include:
   1. Your job title
   2. A brief description of the goals and objectives of your training or employment
   3. Dates and location of training or employment
   4. Number of hours per week, salary and benefits
   5. Name and title of your training supervisor
2. Letter from your Department Chair or Faculty Adviser
   1. The goals and objectives of the specific academic training program.
   2. A description of the academic training program, including its location, the name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training.
   3. How the academic training relates to the student's major field of study.
   4. Why it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the student.
3. Provide the Offer Letter and Letter from your Department Chair/Faculty Advisor to the ISSS team via e-mail.
4. Wait for an ISSS Advisor to e-mail you an updated Form DS-2019 before you begin your academic training.