Academic Training for J-1 Students

Academic training provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in an academic program to a practical work experience. This employment opportunity must be directly related to your major field of study. It may, in certain circumstances, be full or part time and may take place anywhere in the United States. You may apply for academic training during your vacation periods, during the academic year, or for when you complete your studies. Academic training can be authorized by the International Student and Scholar Services office upon the recommendation of your academic advisor or by your J-1 program sponsor if not sponsored by USF.

In order to apply for Academic Training you will need to:

  • Determine your eligibility for Academic Training by talking with an ISSS advisor.
  • Find employment or an Internship and have it approved by your academic advisor or department chair
  • Submit your Academic Training request and provide your employer letter by submitting an Academic Training request via MyISSS*
  • If you have any further questions about this process you should make an appointment with an ISSS advisor.

*If your Academic Training dates are beyond your DS-2019 program end date, you will need to provide proof of J-1 compliant health insurance.

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  • Academic Training is available before or after completion of studies.
  • Allows for a total of 18 months of employment (or the length of the study program, whichever is shorter). Part-time or full-time AT is deducted at the same rate.
  • Postdoctoral researchers may extend their authorization for an additional 18 months (total 36 months).

    You must apply for Academic Training (AT) at least 30 days before your program end date. Academic Training (AT) cannot be authorized once the end date listed on your DS-2019 has passed. Completion of program =

    • Undergraduates: last day of the semester completing degree requirements.
    • Graduates: day degree requirements are fulfilled – i.e. completion of final coursework, passing final exams, or filing of thesis or dissertation.
    • JEEP: last day of the semester completing the exchange program.

    NOTE: the completion date may or may not be the same as the end date on your DS-2019. Students who are near their completion date and do not have firm job offers should consult ISSS to discuss their status and options.

    Once you have obtained a job offer, you must obtain a letter from the employer with the following information:

    • letter must be written on employer's letterhead and include their contact information
    • name/address of employer
    • brief job description
    • name of the supervisor
    • dates of employment
    • number of work hours per week

    Students on AT must continue to maintain health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State requirements for J-1 students and their dependents who are in the U.S. Required coverage for students and dependents is as follows:

    • Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
    • Deductible of no more than $500 per accident or illness
    • Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000**
    • Repatriation in the amount of $25,000**
    • Covers pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period
    • Includes provision for co-payment that does not exceed 25% co-pay by the Exchange Visitor
    • Does not exclude benefits for perils inherent to the activities of the Exchange Visitor's program
    • Must be underwritten by an insurance company that meets the rating requirements of the U.S. Department of State or is backed by the full faith and credit of the Exchange Visitor's government.

    **MEDICAL EVACUATION/REPATRIATION INSURANCE: Many health plans do not include this required coverage. Please contact the ISSS office (415-422-2654) for information about low cost plan options for this coverage. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to renew this coverage each year of your stay.

    If you are a current student, your USF Health Insurance is sufficient and meets the above requirements; additional health insurance coverage is not needed.

     

    Students may change jobs during the approved period of AT. However, students must notify ISSS and submit a new Academic Training request so a new ISSS work authorization can be issued before starting the new job. The student should be prepared to submit a letter of job offer from the new employer.