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Cornell University

International Services

Office of Global Learning

J-1 Academic Training

  • For Students

J-1 Academic Training (AT) is a type of off-campus employment that is directly related to your major area of study. J-1 AT is designed to allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you learned at school.   

If you are a J-1 student you can apply for AT either during your course of study or after you complete your studies. AT must be approved by an International Services immigration advisor.

Your AT may not exceed the amount of time it took for you to complete your full course of study or 18 months, whichever is shorter. If you graduated with a Ph.D., you may be eligible for an additional 18 months if the position is postdoctoral or otherwise temporary and for the purpose of post-degree training. Permanent or indefinite term (including tenure track) positions are not eligible for the additional 18 months.

If you are graduating with a degree in a STEM field you may also be eligible for up to 36 months, but additional procedures are required. Please contact International Services for more information.

As a J-1 student, you are required to maintain Department of State health insurance minimums for yourself and any J-2 dependents throughout your AT.

Eligibility 

You can apply for J-1 AT if … 

  • Your DS-2019 was issued by Cornell and has not expired.
  • You are in good academic standing at Cornell. 
  • Your proposed employment is directly related to your major field of study as confirmed by your academic advisor.
  • You have not already used the maximum amount of Academic Training allowed.

How to Apply for J-1 AT 

Familiarize yourself with the information on this page. Then complete the Academic Training request application form. To complete the application, you will need an Academic Training employment letter. Please provide a signed and dated letter on letterhead from your prospective employer containing the following information: 

  • The goals and objectives of the specific academic training program
  • A description of the training program and how it relates to your major field of study
  • Hours per week
  • Start and end dates of training
  • Employment address
  • Name and address of the training supervisor

Note: For Ph.D. students, an additional 18 months of AT may be possible if the position is postdoctoral or otherwise temporary and for the purpose of post-degree training. Permanent or indefinite term (including tenure-track) positions are not eligible for the additional 18 months.

What if my DS-2019 was not issued by Cornell?

If your J-1 sponsor is outside of Cornell (such as Fulbright or IIE), you need to ask your sponsoring agency if you can apply for J-1 Academic Training. 

Can I  still apply for AT if my DS-2019 has expired?

You must apply for AT before the end date on your DS-2019.  

What if I’m in a non-degree program? 

All J-1 students in degree or non-degree programs may apply for Academic Training, but non-degree students are not eligible for the J-1 STEM extension.

Can I work full-time while on J-1 AT? 

If you are still attending classes, you may work part-time while school is in session and full-time during the summer and winter breaks. If you have graduated, you may work full-time.

If I did AT as a student, can I do more after I graduate?

Any AT you did before graduation will be deducted from your total allowable 18 or 36 months. 

When can I start my post-graduation AT job? 

Your job must begin no more than 30 days after you complete your program. 

What if I only work part-time?

Part-time employment while on AT counts against the 18 or 36 month limit the same as full-time employment. Your total training time will not be extended. 

Am I eligible for more AT after a second degree? 

You have only one opportunity for AT regardless of how many degrees you receive. 

Next Up: F-1 CPT