J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) is employment authorization allowing J-1 students to gain practical experience that is directly related to their academic program of study. AT may include, but is not limited to, internships, practicum, cooperative education, and other types of practical experience.

Apply for Academic Training

Step 1: Obtain an offer of employment from your prospective employer

The letter should be on company letterhead and include:

• Job title
• Brief description of employment
• Start and end dates of employment
• Address of location of employment
• Salary, if offered
• Number of hours per week
• Name, address, phone number, and e-mail of direct supervisor

If your employer does not provide an offer or employment letter, please complete and submit the “Certification of Employment” form (PDF) to provide your employer’s certification of employment. You will need to upload this completed form (or employment offer letter) as part of your J-1 Academic Training Request in MyOISS.

Step 2: Complete & submit the J-1 Academic Training request in MyOISS

Complete and submit the J-1 Academic Training request in MyOISS. You will need to provide the following:

• AT job title
• AT requested start and end dates
• Hours per week
• Employer name and full address
• Supervisor name
• Supervisor email and phone
• AT goals and objectives
• Explanation of how the AT employment relates to your major field of study
• Explanation of why the AT is integral or a critical part of your academic program
• Name and WashU email address of your academic or faculty adviser

Your faculty adviser will receive an email requesting their approval to confirm your eligibility for Academic Training. The adviser will be able to review the entire contents of your request.

Note: Your request will be considered complete upon electronic receipt of your academic or faculty adviser’s approval of your AT. Normal OISS processing time is up to 7 business days once the request is complete.

Step 3: Receive updated DS-2019 with Academic Training recommendation

You will receive an email from your OISS adviser notifying you when your updated DS-2019 with the AT recommendation is ready for you to access in MyOISS.

DO NOT begin employment until receiving the DS-2019 with Academic Training authorization as it provides proof of legal work authorization in the U.S., and you will need to show it to your employer. OISS authorizes AT; therefore, no USCIS application is needed. EAD cards are not issued for Academic Training, and the AT authorization will be listed on the DS-2019.

Health insurance requirement

J-1 students are required to continue to maintain health insurance coverage during their period of approved AT. WashU student health insurance coverage runs from August 1 to July 31 each year. If your AT will extend beyond the expiration of your health insurance plan offered through WashU, you must purchase an outside plan that meets Department of State (DOS) minimums. Information on coverage requirements can be found on the J-1 Student Status page.

It may be possible to extend WashU health insurance after graduation. For more information, visit the Habif Health and Wellness Center website.

Ending employment or changing employers while on AT

If you wish to change your job/employer, you must complete the entire application procedures outlined above. This must be done prior to terminating the already authorized AT employment and before beginning new AT employment.

If your employment is terminated unexpectedly, your AT authorization is terminated as well. In this instance, you must either leave the U.S. or change your status within 30 days of termination.

Contact your OISS adviser if there are changes in your employment or with any questions.