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Academic Training for J-1 Students

Overview

Academic Training (AT) is a type of work authorization that allows students on J-1 visa status to gain practical training related to their academic program. J-1 students may participate in Academic Training during their studies and/or after completing their program. All Academic Training must requested while the student's DS-2019 is valid and their program end date has not passed. All students must obtain authorization from International Student Services before beginning any work or training for Academic Training.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for Academic Training, J-1 students must meet the following criteria:
 
  • Your DS-2019 was issued by FDU, and you are maintaining valid J-1 status 
    • If your DS-2019 was issued by another organization, please see the “Non-FDU Sponsored Students” section for more information.
  • You are in good academic standing or have completed your program at FDU.
  • You have a job offer that is directly related to your program of study (the position cannot be more than 40% remote).
  • You are applying for Academic Training before your program end date.
  • The position begins no later than 30 days after your program end date.

 

Length of Academic Training

J-1 students may receive up to 18 months of Academic Training, or the length of their academic program, whichever is shorter.

Examples:

  • A student completing six months of study at FDU is eligible for up to six months of Academic Training.
  • A student completing two years of study at FDU is eligible for up to 18 months of Academic Training.

Note: Academic Training completed during your program and after your program both count toward your total eligibility. Employment may be part-time or full-time, but all Academic Training is deducted from your total limit.

 

Non-Degree Students

Students can confirm their Exchange Visitor Category by checking section 4 on their Form DS-2019.

  • Non-Degree Students have a maximum of 24 months to complete all study and Academic Training.

 

Non-FDU Sponsored Students

Students whose DS-2019 was issued by a sponsor other than FDU must contact the sponsor listed in Section 2 of their Form DS-2019 for information about Academic Training.

 

Application Process

International Student Services can authorize Academic Training only for students sponsored by FDU. To confirm if you are an FDU sponsored student, please check Section 2 on your Form DS-2019.

Students must email the following documents to ISS@fdu.edu.

1. Employer Offer Letter
    The letter must include:

  • Description of the Academic Training
  • Name and location of the employer
  • Name and address of the training supervisor
  • Beginning and end date of the Academic Training
  • Job responsibilities
  • Supervisor assessment plan

2. FDU Advisor Recommendation Letter

    The letter must include:

  • Description of the Academic Training
  • Name and location of the employer
  • Beginning and end date of the Academic Training
  • Explanation of how the training relates to the student's field of study
  • Explanation of why the training is integral or critical to the student's academic program
 
If your Academic Training will begin after the end date on your DS-2019, you must also provide:
 

1. Home Institution approval to extend your stay
2. Receipt of $500 Fee Payment – Post Service Fee

3. Proof of insurance for the duration of Academic Training

  • Insurance is required prior to approval of the requested Academic Training.

 

Upon approval, International Students Services will issue you an updated Form DS-2019 reflecting your authorized period of Academic Training.
Important: You cannot begin working until you have received your updated Form DS-2019 and the start date indicated has been reached.

 

Evaluation

At the end of any Academic Training, students must submit an Academic Training Evaluation to International Student Services detailing their experience.