Academic training is defined as paid employment directly related to the J-1 student's major area of study. The employment may be full or part-time.  

A student in J-1 status may be authorized to participate in academic training during his or her studies or commencing no later than 30 days after completion of studies provided that: 

• the student is in good academic standing 
• the student has a job offer from a U.S. employer 
• the student is recommended for academic training by the department advisor 
•  the training is an integral or critical part of the student's academic program 
• the student receives written approval in advance from the Responsible Officer of the J-1 program 

If a student does not have a job offer by the time 30 days after completion is reached, then academic training is forfeited. The new DS-2019 for academic training must be issued before the previous DS-2019 expires.  The actual employment may begin after the 30 day limit.  J-1 students may obtain academic training prior to completion of studies as well as after completion of studies, within the 18 month limit.  

Academic training cannot exceed 18 months, including any prior academic training in the United States. Any academic training granted prior to completion of studies shall be deducted from the amount of academic training available after graduation. Therefore, students are well advised to consider their goals carefully before applying for academic training.  

Students sponsored by Fulbright or other USAID agencies may be subject to shorter time limits for academic training. Such students may wish to check with their sponsoring agencies for further information.  

Academic training must be recommended by the department and authorized by the J-1 sponsor. If a student has a DS-2019 issued by Manhattan College, then the Office of the International Student Advisor authorizes academic training. A student with a DS-2019 issued by an organization other than Manhattan College must obtain authorization for academic training from that organization.  

Since an offer of employment is required to obtain approval for academic training, the following information must be provided on the Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form for Academic Training. The form is available in the Office of the International Student Advisor.  

• a description of the academic training  
• name and location of the employer  
• name and address of the training supervisor   
• number of hours to be worked per week  
• beginning and ending dates of the training  
• how the training relates to the student's field of study  
• why the training is integral or critical to the student's academic program  

Once the application for academic training is completed, the Office of the International Student Advisor will issue to the student a letter authorizing the specific employment. If the student's current DS-2019 is about to expire, then a new DS-2019 will be issued for academic training purposes.  

Download the Recommendation Form for Academic Training