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Academic Training
Academic training (AT) is designed to allow J-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study through off-campus employment. It is available as full-time or part-time employment to those in both degree and non-degree programs. Academic training can be paid or unpaid and used before or after completing the academic program.
To request AT authorization, you should contact Immigration Services to schedule an appointment to meet with an Immigration Services Advisor to review your eligibility requirements and begin the application process.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be in valid J-1 status and good academic standing at the institution listed on your Form DS-2019.
- Have a specific job or training opportunity directly related to your degree program.
- Obtain written approval from your academic advisor for the duration of academic training.
- Show proof of adequate financial support for yourself and your J-2 dependents (if any) if your post-completion AT is unpaid.
Time Limitations for Academic Training
- Academic Training employment may not exceed the length of your program or 18 months, whichever is shorter.
- Ph.D. students with a postdoctoral training position are allowed a maximum of 36 months of Academic Training.
- Part-time Academic Training counts against your total eligibility. (e.g., 6 months of part-time employment = 3 months of full-time employment)
- Earning multiple degrees does not extend your eligibility for Academic Training.
Authorization Deadline
To utilize the AT benefit, you must apply prior to the end of your J program or DS-2019 expiration, whichever comes first. You must receive the AT authorization approval from Immigration Services prior to starting the training opportunity, and the start date must be within 30 days of your program end date. Those who begin their employment before receiving approval are considered to have violated their status.
How to Apply for AT
Submit the following to Immigration Services (is@clemson.edu):
- IS-245 Academic Training Request Form
- Signed job offer letter printed on the company’s official letterhead. The letter should include:
- Job title
- Start and end dates of employment
- Address of actual employment location
- Number of work hours per week and salary (if any)
- Description of 3–4 major job duties you will perform
- IS-206 Health Insurance Form + copy of current insurance card
- Copies of:
- Current and previous DS-2019(s)
- Passport pages (biographical data, photo, and expiration date)
- Current I-94 card (front and back)
- Completed and signed IS-206 Form (PDF), along with a copy of up-to-date health insurance card and relevant paperwork
- All previously-issued AT authorization letters (if any)
- If the position is unpaid, include financial documentation showing support for the duration of the AT.
Student Responsibilities during Academic Training
To maintain your status while on AT, you must:
- Maintain required insurance coverage as defined in the IS-206 form (PDF) for yourself and all dependents (if any).
- Reside primarily in the U.S. for the purpose of AT.
- Report any address or name change in the iStart Portal.
- Notify Immigration Services (is@clemson.edu) if your job ends early
- Submit a new AT authorization for any changes to your training (employer, duties, location, etc.).
For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Immigration Services.
