Definition of Academic Training
Academic Training is practical experience that must be authorized and relates to a student's field of study. Appropriate activities vary over disciplines. For example, postdoctoral academic training in biochemistry might consist of paid research at one location with one faculty adviser, where academic training in music may involve a number of paid or unpaid teaching or performance opportunities. Academic training may involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with several employers, provided the application and approval procedures are followed for each employer and activity, and the time limits are not exceeded.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Academic Training, Exchange visitors must:
- be primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training;
- participate in academic training that is directly related to their major field of study;
- be in good academic standing;
- and receive written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training.
Academic Training must begin within 30 days from the completion of the J program.
Duration of Academic Training
Academic Training limits are based off your degree level as well as the length of your program:
- Non-degree seeking exchange visitors:
- Academic training matches program length
- 1 semester = about 4.5 months of Academic Training
- 24 months total for classes and Academic Training combined
- Academic training matches program length
- Degree-seeking undergraduate and master's: 18 months
- If your program is shorter than 18 months, you would get the length of your program.
- Degree-seeking PhD: 36 months
Application and Authorization Procedures
To apply for Academic Training, submit the following documents to your OISS advisor:
- An offer letter from the employer on letterhead which specifies:
- the beginning and ending dates of the training experience;
- the number of hours per week;
- When classes are in session, exchange visitors may not work more than 20 hours per week, including any on-campus employment.
- For Post-Completion Academic Training, exchange visitors must work at least 10 hours per week.
- responsibilities in the position;
- salary if applicable;
- the employer address;
- and the name of the supervisor.
2. Recommendation letter for Academic Training from your academic advisor that includes:
- A description of the Academic Training program including:
- the beginning and ending dates of the training experience;
- the number of hours per week (the employer may use the sample letter in the application form);
- responsibilities in the position;
- salary if applicable;
- the employer address;
- and the name of the supervisor
- How the Academic Training relates to the student's major field of study; and
- How it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the student.
3. If the Academic Training requires an extension, please contact your OISS advisor before submitting the following:
- Proof of funding of $1500 per month for living expenses. (This can be from a variety of sources including but not limited to salary from the position, personal funds, and family funds.) Additional funding must be shown for J-2 dependents. ($5000 per year for a spouse and $3000 per child).
- Proof of adequate health insurance for the duration of the extension. (This must be shown for J-2 dependents as well.)
- Advisor will enroll J-1 student in continuing TSHIP coverage for the duration of the Academic Training.
- When a student is doing post-completion Academic Training, they are no longer able to access active student resources such as the Campus Health Center and the Tulane Telehealth Program.
OISS will:
- Verify your eligibility to apply for Academic Training;
- Verify your enrollment in an appropriate course, if applicable; and
- Authorize and email new DS-2019 showing Academic Training authorization.
A Note of Caution:
Do not begin work until you receive the new Academic Training DS-2019. While immigration regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in J-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with OISS staff before beginning any employment. OISS is here to advise and counsel you regarding your immigration responsibilities, but it is ultimately your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations that apply to J-1 exchange visitors. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for future immigration benefits.
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