J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training is work permission for J-1 Exchange Visitors in the college and university student category. It authorizes practical experiences that are directly related to the student's major field of study. J-1 students can use Academic Training for paid and unpaid, part-time and full-time practical experiences. The authorization must be approved by the J program sponsor in advance.

Students may request Academic Training both during their program and for use after completion of their program depending on the time limitations that apply. The authorization is employer and training site specific, so students are encouraged to seek advising about the Academic Training process in advance to be sure they have sufficient time to request the authorization.

J-1 students must meet the following requirements to be eligible for Academic Training.

• You are primarily in the U.S. to complete a course of study.
• You will participate in training that is directly related to your major field of study at LSU.
• You are in good academic standing at LSU (pre-completion) or  you will complete a course of study at LSU (post-completion).
• You have received written approval in advance from a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in International Services.

The federal regulations limit how much academic training can be authorized for J-1 students. The time limits include any and all periods of Academic Training that have been authorized during your current or previous J programs.

• Undergraduate student programs: 18 months maximum 
• Masters degree programs: 18 months maximum
• Doctoral programs: up to 36 months maximum (Only 18 months can be accessed before the program is completed.)

Exceptions to the time limits

Students whose programs of study are less than two-years in duration will not have access to a full 18 months of Academic Training. They will be limited to the length of time they were enrolled in the program of study.

Undergraduate and masters degree students may be authorized for more than 18 months of Academic Training if additional training is required to meet mandatory degree requirements.

Students must complete the steps listed below to apply for Academic Training

1. Secure an internship or training offer that is directly related to your field of study and J-1 program at LSU.
2. Request the required letters and/or documents from your academic advisor and your employer.
3. Complete the online Academic Training application.

Application materials

• Training/Employment offer letter.
• Academic Advisor letter recommending the Academic Training and explaining how it is an integral part of your program. (please see the sample letter)
• Proof of J-1 compliant health insurance for the proposed training period.
• Proof of living expense financial support for the proposed training period (if the training will be unpaid).
• Copies of DS-2019s showing previous Academic Training authorization periods.
• Copy of your current DS-2019, passport bio page and I-94 admission record.

Application timelines

Applications for post-completion Academic Training must be submitted and approved before the program end date on your current DS-2019 or the end of your J-1 program at LSU, whichever is earlier.

Please allow up to 10 business days from the point your application materials are complete for processing. Once you have submitted your application, an advisor in International Services will contact you if additional information is required.

 

J-1 students can travel internationally during periods of Academic Training. Please be sure to request a travel signature on your DS-2019 for yourself and any dependents who will travel at least two weeks prior to your departure. If your J-1 visa will be expired at the time of your travel, please meet with an advisor prior to finalizing your travel plans.

Authorization is employer specific

If your employer will change, you must request Academic Training authorization for the new employer before you can begin the new employment. To request a new authorization, you will need to repeat the application process outlined on this page.

Extension of Academic Training

If you have remaining time available and you would like to extend your current authorization, please remember that the extension must be requested and approved before the end date on your current DS-2019.

Health Insurance

You must maintain enrollment in health insurance that meets the J-1 requirements (for yourself and any J-2 dependents present in the U.S.) throughout the duration of your Academic Training. we recommend that you continue coverage through the end of your stay in the U.S. if you will remain in the country during your grace period.

J-1 Grace Period 

When your training program ends, if you are unable to or decide not to extend your Academic Training, you will begin your 30-day grace period. You will have continued J-1 status during this period, but you will not be able to continue working. Any exit you make from the U.S. during this grace period will be your final exit in J-1 status. You will need to have proof of a different valid status to be readmitted to the U.S.