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

Login to the ISSO Portal, open menu “J-1 Student Services”, and click app “Academic Training Request”. 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