J-1 Academic Training (AT)

Academic Training (AT) Options for J-1 Students and Scholars

Academic training is the name the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program uses for employment training or practical experience related to your field of study. It is fairly flexible and offers a variety of paid and unpaid, full-time or part-time, training or employment situations, with one or more employers, to supplement your academic program in the U.S.

Official Immigration Regulations Governing AT

Official Regulation: “A student may participate in academic training programs during his or her studies, without wages or other remuneration, with the approval of the academic dean or advisor and the Exchange Visitor Program Responsible Officer (RO or ARO). A student may be authorized to participate in academic training for wages or other remuneration during his or her studies or commencing not later than thirty (30) days after completion of his or her studies.” (Source: 22CFR. § 62.23(f)(2)). The ARO referred to in this regulation is the International Student and Scholar Advisor in ISSO at UNC Charlotte.

For more information about Academic Training eligibility, length of time allowed and process, please contact ISSO

Applying for AT

When to Apply

If considering academic training, your authorization must be processed before your official academic program completion date. In addition, the academic training/employment must begin within the first 30 days after the official academic program completion date.

How to Apply

Academic Training Application

Our online form will require you to

  • Upload your job offer letter
  • Request an online recommendation from your advisor. You must send your advisor a copy of your job offer letter before they can complete the recommendation. They will review the job offer letter to determine if the job experience is related to your field of study
  • Upload proof of health insurance if your AT will extend your stay in the U.S.
  • Agree to log back in to ISSO Connect and complet the feedback questions regarding your Academic Training experience

My ISSOConnect

To resume an incomplete ISSO Connect application or to check the status of other applications use the link below.

ISSOConnect

NinerNet Credential Login

  • All international students will be able to use their NinerNet Login Credentials to log into ISSOConnect

  • Please reset your password if needed to access your NinerNet Account. See Instructions for resetting your NinerNet Password.

  • Students on OPT will have their old account reactivated even if they have already graduated

Processing time notice: Please be advised that the ISSO serves nearly 2,000 enrolled international students, in addition to over 1,000 prospective students and students on OPT and STEM OPT. We appreciate your patience in allowing us process each student’s submission in a timely manner.