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Academic Training (AT) is a type of work authorization for J-1 students that allows you to participate in off-campus training that is directly related to your major field of study. Training may be paid or unpaid, and may occur before or after you complete your academic program.

Academic Training is designed to help you apply the knowledge and skills from your degree in a practical setting. Your primary purpose in the United States must remain academic, and all training must be approved by your J-1 program sponsor before you begin.

What You Can Do With Academic Training

  • Work in a position directly related to your major field of study
  • Participate in paid or unpaid training opportunities
  • Work part-time or full-time (both count the same toward your AT limit)
  • Hold more than one training position, if all are authorized
  • Engage in training before completing your program or after graduation

Key Rules to Keep in Mind

  • You must receive AT authorization before starting any training.
  • Your DS-2019 must remain valid and active the entire time you participate in AT.
  • All training must be related to your major and supported by an official offer letter.
  • Remote work is permitted up to 40% of the time (two days per week).
  • You must maintain J-1 health insurance requirements throughout the training period.

Academic Training can be an excellent way to gain U.S. work experience, explore career paths, and apply your academic knowledge in a professional environment. Be sure to review all eligibility criteria and time limits before applying.

To qualify for Academic Training (AT), you must meet all of the requirements below. These rules come from federal J-1 regulations and must be followed to maintain your status.

Student Eligibility Requirements

  • You must currently be in valid J-1 student status.
  • You must be in good academic standing at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ.
  • Your primary purpose in the U.S. must be to study, not to work.
  • Your training opportunity must be directly related to your major field of study.
  • You must receive authorization for AT before beginning any training.
  • You must have an official offer letter that meets J-1 requirements.
  • You must maintain required J-1 health insurance for the duration of the training.

Program & Training Requirements

  • The training must be recommended by the Office of International Programs.
  • The training must not delay completion of your academic program.
  • If applying for post-completion AT, you must apply before your DS-2019 end date.
  • Your DS-2019 must remain valid during the entire training period.
  • If the training is unpaid, you must show proof of adequate financial support.

Restrictions You Should Know

  • You cannot begin training until you receive your updated DS-2019 with AT authorization.
  • You cannot exceed the total AT time limits based on your degree level.
  • Remote work is limited to no more than 40% (two days per week).
  • Your supervisor must be able to provide training and oversight.

If you meet all of the requirements above, you may be eligible to participate in Academic Training. Visit the “Time Limits” and “How to Apply” sections before submitting your request.

The total amount of Academic Training (AT) you can participate in depends on your degree level and the length of your J-1 program. All time limits include both pre-completion and post-completion training.

Degree-Seeking Students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral)

  • Maximum AT: 18 months total across pre- and post-completion periods.
  • Cannot exceed the length of your academic program. Example: If your program lasts 12 months, you can only get 12 months of AT.
  • Part-time and full-time training count the same toward your limit.

Doctoral / Postdoctoral Students

  • Maximum AT: 36 months total, typically granted in two periods of 18 months each.
  • Must have completed at least 36 months in the Ph.D. program before postdoctoral AT.
  • Extensions are not automatic; OIP must verify eligibility before approving additional months.

Non-Degree Students / Exchange Visitors

  • Maximum AT: 24 months total, including study and training.
  • AT cannot exceed the time spent in the academic program. Example: A 4-month exchange program allows a maximum of 4 months of AT.

STEM Extension (Temporary U.S. Initiative)

  • Available through June 30, 2026, for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates in approved STEM fields.
  • Allows additional AT time up to a maximum total of 36 months.
  • Cannot exceed the length of the degree program.
  • Must apply before your current AT authorization expires.

Important Notes

  • Every month of AT counts, regardless of full-time or part-time status.
  • All training must occur within the dates authorized on your DS-2019.
  • Remote work is allowed up to 40% of your weekly hours (two days per week).

How to Apply (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Procedure)

Follow these steps to request Academic Training (AT) at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. Remember, you **cannot begin training** until OIP approves your request and issues an updated DS-2019.

Step 1 — Obtain an Offer Letter

Your offer letter must be on company letterhead and include the following information:

  • Position title
  • Company name and physical address
  • Supervisor’s name, email, and phone number
  • Start and end dates for your requested training period
  • Number of hours per week

Your may refer to the offer letter sample. 

Step 2 — Submit Request to OIP

Send the following to global@utep.edu:

  • Completed Academic Training Form
  • Your offer letter
  • Employer’s full name
  • Requested start and end dates
  • Number of hours per week
  • Physical worksite address

OIP may request additional documents depending on your specific case.

Step 3 — Wait for OIP Approval

  • OIP will review your eligibility and issue your AT authorization letter.
  • If necessary, OIP will also issue an updated DS-2019 to cover the AT period.
  • You may not begin your training until you have received official approval.
  • Keep your AT authorization letter attached to your DS-2019 at all times.

Following these steps ensures you remain in compliance with J-1 regulations and ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ policies.