J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) Information
For MIT-Sponsored J-1 International Students

CRITICAL NOTICE: J-1 international students CANNOT engage in any off-campus work/employment (paid or unpaid, or for an employer outside the U.S.) without prior authorization from the J-1 Program Sponsor (MIT-ISO, Fulbright, etc.).

**Failure to receive prior authorization will jeopardize the student’s current U.S. immigration status, future U.S. immigration benefits, and the ability to complete their MIT academic program**

KEY ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) INFORMATION

The ISO hosts immigration-related information sessions throughout the academic year. These sessions are announced in the ISO Newsletter and on the ISO News & Announcements webpage.

NOTE: This webpage is ONLY for J-1 MIT-sponsored degree-seeking students. J-1 degree-seeking students who are sponsored by an outside organization (e.g., Fulbright) MUST contact their program sponsor directly for Academic Training (AT) requests and eligibility requirements.

*MIT-sponsored F-1 degree-seeking students MUST review the ISO F-1 CPT webpage, the F-1 Pre-Completion OPT webpage, or the F-1 Post-Completion OPT webpage for off-campus work/employment information.

*ALL other Special, Exchange, and VSP Non-Degree students DO NOT qualify for any off-campus work/employment authorization.

For additional questions about what U.S. immigration considers off-campus work/employment, students should thoroughly review all the ISO Employment web pages and the information regarding entrepreneurship and other U.S. immigration statuses on the ISO Student Content Access webpage [Kerberos Required]. 

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J-1 ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) OVERVIEW

Under the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program, J-1 degree-seeking students may apply for a form of off-campus work/employment authorization called Academic Training (AT).  AT is based on the length of the student’s stay in J-1 status and other duration limits. Therefore, students are eligible for AT after maintaining lawful, full-time J-1 student status for at least one (1) academic year (consecutive fall and spring terms), with limited exceptions.

Duration Limits

A student’s total AT duration is ALWAYS capped at:

  • Bachelor’s & Master’s Students: Maximum duration of 18 months (547 days), unless the J-1 status/academic program is shorter, in which case the AT eligibility is reduced to match the J-1 status/academic program length. The total AT duration can NEVER exceed the length of the J-1 degree program [22 CFR 62.23(f)(4)] in the U.S.
  • PhD Students: Maximum duration of 36 months (1095 days), unless the J-1 status/academic program is shorter, in which case the AT eligibility is reduced to match the J-1 status/academic program length. The total AT duration can NEVER exceed the length of the J-1 degree program [22 CFR 62.23(f)(4)] in the U.S.
    • Example Situations:
      • A) If a bachelor’s or master’s student was in J-1 status for their entire 44-month degree program, upon completion of their degree, they would be eligible for a maximum of 18 months of AT off-campus work/employment authorization – Pre-Degree and Post-Degree AT time combined.
      • B) If a PhD student was in J-1 status for their entire 72-month degree program, upon completion of their degree, they would be eligible for a maximum of 36 months of AT off-campus work/employment authorization – Pre-Degree and Post-Degree AT time combined.
      • C) For any bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD students who were in J-1 status for only 10 months of the degree program, upon completion of their degree, they would ONLY be eligible for a maximum of 10 months of AT off-campus work/employment authorization – Pre-Degree and Post-Degree AT time combined.

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DEFINING ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT)

Academic Training (AT) is an off-campus work/employment authorization for J-1 degree-seeking students. All AT work/employment MUST comply with U.S. federal regulations [22 CFR 62.23(f)].

J-1 students who have earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in the U.S. are eligible to apply for AT off-campus work/employment authorization based on the length of their time in J-1 status [see the Duration Limitations section above].

IMPORTANT: J-1 Academic Training (AT) is a benefit of a student’s current J-1 status; it is NOT a separate U.S. immigration status. The J-1 Program Sponsor authorizes AT, which allows the student the ability to pursue work/employment in the U.S., but ONLY if all the requirements are met [see the Academic Training (AT) Eligibility Requirements section below].

J-1 Student Work/Employment Options

J-1 degree-seeking students may be eligible for the following types of off-campus work/employment authorization, based on their academic and immigration status:

  • J-1 Academic Training (AT)
    • May be used during or after the degree program.
    • Can ONLY be authorized by the J-1 program sponsor (MIT-ISO, Fulbright, etc.).
    • Includes two (2) distinct types:
      • Pre-Degree AT (Pre-AT): Only available during the degree program.
        • NOTE: It can ONLY occur within the program start and end dates listed on page 1 of the Form DS-2019.
        • For detailed eligibility requirements and application guidance, refer to this ISO webpage.
      • Post-Degree AT (Post-AT): Only available after completion of the degree program.

ATTENTION: Post-Degree AT MUST be approved BEFORE the end date on page 1 of the student’s Form DS-2019, and the work/employment MUST begin within 30 days of that end date; otherwise, the student will lose the Post-Degree AT benefits.

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PRE-DEGREE vs. POST-DEGREE AT

RequirementsPre-Degree Academic Training (Pre-AT)Post-Degree Academic Training (Post-AT)
Time to AuthorizeVaries by J Program Sponsor.

For MIT-sponsored students, the processing time is 10 business days.		Varies by J Program Sponsor.

For MIT-sponsored students, the processing time is 10 business days.
FeesVaries by J Program Sponsor.

For MIT-sponsored students, there is no ISO Fee. However, students may need to pay for an internship/learning course.		Varies by J Program Sponsor.

For MIT-sponsored students:
For an initial period of up to 18 months, a fee of $150 applies.

For periods longer than 18 months (e.g., PhD students), a fee of $200 applies.

MIT Administrative Fees can be paid online by debit or credit card.
AuthorizersStudents J Program Sponsor.Students J Program Sponsor.
Time LimitJ-1 students are eligible for AT based on the period they were in J-1 status – OR – for a MAX of 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s students and 36 months for PhD students (WHICHEVER IS LESS).  

Example: If a master’s student was in the U.S. in J-1 status for a degree program that was 21 months in length, they are ONLY eligible for 18 months of Academic Training (AT).
This includes ALL Pre- and Post-Degree AT combined.		J-1 students are eligible for AT based on the period they were in J-1 status – OR – for a MAX of 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s students and 36 months for PhD students (WHICHEVER IS LESS).  

Example: If a master’s student was in the U.S. in J-1 status for a degree program that was 21 months in length, they are ONLY eligible for 18 months of Academic Training (AT).
This includes ALL Pre- and Post-Degree AT combined.
Employment Offer Required?
YES

Training can be paid or unpaid.

Training MUST be at least 60% in-person, with a maximum of 40% remote (or two (2) remote days per week), but ONLY if the host organization/employer has an official hybrid policy for ALL employees.

NOTE: All AT work/employment can NEVER be fully remote.
YES

Training can be paid or unpaid.

Training MUST be at least 60% in-person, with a maximum of 40% remote (or two (2) remote days per week), but ONLY if the host organization/employer has an official hybrid policy for ALL employees.

NOTE: All AT work/employment can NEVER be fully remote.
Requirements (Regarding Academic Program)All work/employment MUST be “directly related to the student’s major area (field) of study”.All work/employment MUST be “directly related to the student’s major area (field) of study”.
All work/employment should be paid, but unpaid work is allowed if it DOES NOT violate U.S. labor laws.
All work/employment MUST be full-time (more than 20 hours a week).
All work/employment MUST begin within 30 days of the student’s Form DS-2019 end date.

NOTE: The ISO strongly advises students to consult with their J-1 Program Sponsor BEFORE committing to or beginning any on or off-campus work/employment activities. If sponsored by MIT, students should consult with their ISO Advisor.

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ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Pre-Degree AT (Pre-AT): Can ONLY be granted if the following criteria are met:

  1. Student-Specific: Eligible students MUST be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at MIT.
  2. Immigration Status Specific: AT is based on the length of the student’s stay in J-1 status and other duration limits. Therefore, eligible students MUST have been in lawful J-1 status for at least one (1) academic year (consecutive fall and spring terms).
    • NOTE: Undergraduate students MUST meet the one (1) academic year requirement and also have formally declared their major field of study.
  3. Directly Related to Major: The Academic Training (AT) work/employment MUST be “directly related to the student’s degree field of study”.
  4. Academic Department Approval: Eligible students REQUIRE approval from the academic department [see the Academic Training (AT) Authorization Requirements section below].
  5. Employer-Specific: All Academic Training (AT) work/employment authorizations are employer-specific and MUST be approved for a designated employer, role, duration, and location.
    • Students MUST always notify their J-1 Program Sponsor of any changes within 10 calendar days of the change.
  6. In-Person/Remote Work Requirements: The U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires that:
    • At least 60% of all Academic Training (AT) activities MUST be conducted in person, and remote work is limited to NO MORE than 40% of total AT activities, which CANNOT exceed a maximum of two (2) days per week.
  7. Paid & Unpaid Academic Training (AT) Requirements: Students may engage in either paid or unpaid work/employment.
    • However, all unpaid work/employment is ONLY permitted if it meets the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) criteria for volunteering/unpaid work and DOES NOT violate U.S. labor laws.
  8. Timing-Specific: By the start of the Academic Training (AT) authorization, students MUST have completed at least one academic year (concurrent fall and spring terms) in the U.S. under a valid J-1 status, along with the following criteria:
    • Academic Training (AT) is authorized and utilized BEFORE completion of the degree program. 
    • Academic Training (AT) is authorized within an official MIT academic term for:
      • Part-Time Academic Training (AT): During the fall and spring academic terms, Academic Training (AT) can ONLY be authorized part-time (20 hours per week or less).
      • Full-Time Academic Training (AT): During an official vacation term (e.g., summer or IAP), if the student is NOT required to be enrolled full-time during that specific term [22 CFR 62.23(g)(2)(iii)], Academic Training (AT) can be authorized full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
  9. Pre-Approved by the J-1 Program Sponsor: Eligible students MUST obtain Pre-Degree AT work/employment authorization from their J-1 Program Sponsor and be within the approved dates listed in the “Academic Training section of (Box 5)” of their Pre-Degree AT Form DS-2019 BEFORE starting any AT work/employment, including employer orientations, onboarding, or meetings.
  10. Previous Authorizations: Eligible students HAVE NOT exceeded their allowed AT authorization time for Pre-Degree and Post-Degree AT times combined at their current degree level.

Reviewed Required Information: Students have THOROUGHLY reviewed this webpage’s information and links.

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Post-Degree AT (Post-AT): Can ONLY be granted if the following criteria are met:

  1. Student-Specific: Eligible students MUST be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at MIT.
  2. Immigration Status Specific: AT is based on the length of the student’s stay in J-1 status and other duration limits. Therefore, eligible students MUST have been in lawful J-1 status for at least one (1) academic year (consecutive fall and spring terms).
    • NOTE: Undergraduate students MUST meet the one (1) academic year requirement and also have formally declared their major field of study.
  3. Directly Related to Major: The Academic Training (AT) work/employment MUST be “directly related to the student’s degree field of study”.
  4. Academic Department Approval: Eligible students REQUIRE approval from the academic department [see the Academic Training (AT) Authorization Requirements section below].
  5. Employer-Specific: All Academic Training (AT) work/employment authorizations are employer-specific and MUST be approved for a designated employer, role, duration, and location.
    • Students MUST always notify their J-1 Program Sponsor of any changes within 10 calendar days of the change.
  6. In-Person & Remote Work Requirements: The U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires that:
    • At least 60% of all Academic Training (AT) activities MUST be conducted in person, and remote work is limited to NO MORE than 40% of total AT activities, which CANNOT exceed a maximum of two (2) days per week.
    • NOTE: Remote work is ONLY permitted if the employer has an official hybrid work policy that applies to ALL employees [Reference: U.S. Department of State Guidance Directive 2023-01].
  7. Paid & Unpaid Academic Training (AT) Requirements: Students may engage in either paid or unpaid work/employment.
    • However, all unpaid work/employment is ONLY permitted if it meets the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) criteria for volunteering/unpaid work and DOES NOT violate U.S. labor laws.
  8. Timing-Specific: Post-Degree Academic Training (AT) authorization MUST be approved and issued BEFORE the “End Date” listed in the “Form Covers Period (Box 3)” section on page 1 of their most recently issued Form DS-2019.
    • [VERY IMPORTANT] Post-Degree Timing Requirements: 
      • i) MIT-sponsored J-1 students MUST submit their Post-Degree AT request in iMIT – AND – have it authorized/approved BEFORE the “End Date” listed in the “Form Covers Period (Box 3)”.
      • ii) Additionally, the Post-Degree AT work/employment MUST begin within 30 days of that end date.
        • Students who CANNOT meet the above-mentioned timing requirements (i and ii) will lose their remaining AT benefits and will need to plan on departing the U.S.
    • NOTE: All Post-Degree AT work/employment MUST be full-time (more than 20 hours a week).
  9. Pre-Approved by the J-1 Program Sponsor: Eligible students MUST obtain Pre-Degree AT work/employment authorization from their J-1 Program Sponsor and be within the approved dates listed in the “Academic Training section of (Box 5)” of their Pre-Degree AT Form DS-2019 BEFORE starting any AT work/employment, including employer orientations, onboarding, or meetings.
  10. Previous Authorizations: Eligible students HAVE NOT exceeded their allowed AT authorization time for Pre-Degree and Post-Degree AT times combined at their current degree level.

Reviewed Required Information: Students have THOROUGHLY reviewed this webpage’s information and links.

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Students CANNOT engage in any work/employment (on- or off-campus, paid or unpaid) AFTER the “End Date” listed in the “Form Covers Period (Box 3)” section on page 1 of their most recently issued Form DS-2019 – UNLESS – Their Post-Degree AT is approved for the specific listed AT employer and dates in the “Academic Training section of (Box 5)” of their Post-AT Form DS-2019.

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ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Pre-Degree AT (Pre-AT): Authorization for Pre-AT can ONLY be granted if the following criteria are met:

  1. Required AT Materials: Follow the instructions on this webpage and obtain the following materials (items 2 and 3).
  2. Departmental AT Support Letter (Pre-AT): Obtain a Departmental AT Support Letter on departmental letterhead, signed by the student’s academic department administrator/program coordinator in consultation with the appropriate faculty/advisor, confirming:
    • a) The student is in good academic standing.
    • b) The student is enrolled full-time in their degree program at MIT, including the degree level and major field of study that will be earned.
    • c) The practical experience the student seeks will directly relate to their MIT degree/major field of study.
    • d) Explanation of how the Academic Training work/employment relates to the student’s major field of study.
    • e) Explanation of why the Academic Training work/employment is an integral or critical part of the student’s academic program.
    • f) Explanation of the specific goals and objectives of the Academic Training work/employment.
    • g) Description of the Academic Training work/employment, including the company or organization’s street address, name, and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of employment.
    • h) The date and term by which the student is expected to complete their MIT degree program.
      • For immigration purposes, this is called the “Form Covers Period (Box 3) End Date,”which refers to the point at which students have fulfilled ALL degree requirements.
  3. AT Employer Support/Offer Letter (Pre-AT): Students MUST provide a Pre-Degree AT Employer Support/Offer Letter that meets ALL of the following criteria:
    • Be on letterhead and signed.
    • List the employer’s full legal name (e.g., ‘Google LLC’, not ‘Google.com’ or just ‘Google’). This is typically listed in the letter.
    • Provide the position title and a detailed description of the duties/responsibilities of the role.
    • The work/employment start and end dates.
    • List the number of hours per week or specify “Full-Time”.
    • Provide salary/stipend amounts (if applicable).
    • Provide the student’s supervisor’s contact information (phone and email) or the hiring personnel’s contact information if different from the supervisor’s.
    • Work site address (i.e., where the student will physically be working/located) and the employer’s main company address, if different from the work site address.
      • NOTE: All Pre-Degree AT Employer Support/Offer Letters MUST be between 1 and 3 pages in length.
      • If the letter exceeds this limit, the student MUST highlight all the required information, as the ISO CANNOT evaluate lengthy letters.
        • Refer to an example of an acceptable Employer Support/Offer Letter here.
  4. Hours-Per-Week: Students can request Pre-Degree AT authorization for:
    • Part-time (less than 20 hours a week), or
    • Full-time work/employment (more than 20 hours per week)
    • ATTENTION: All Pre-Degree AT authorizations are deducted from a student’s maximum allowed AT duration, regardless of whether the employment is part-time or full-time.
      • Example: If a student does 100 days of full-time Pre-Degree AT in summer [current calendar year] and 34 days of part-time Pre-Degree AT in fall [current calendar year], they have used 134 days of their total allowable AT duration. 
  5. Submit Pre-Degree AT Request via iMIT: MIT-sponsored J-1 students MUST request the required AT Form DS-2019 at least three (3) weeks BEFORE the intended work/employment start date. NOTE: ISO document processing times remain ten (10) business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
    • The student MUST log in to iMIT through ‘Full Client Services’, select the ‘J-1 Student Services’ tab on the left sidebar of their iMIT Home Page, select ‘Academic Training’ and ‘Start a New Request’, then complete all five (5) of the required e-Forms.

IMPORTANT: All Pre-Degree AT work/employment dates MUST fall within the allowable timeframes [see the Academic Training (AT) Eligibility Requirements section (#8) above].

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Post-Degree AT (Post-AT): Authorization for Pre-AT can ONLY be granted if the following criteria are met:

  1. Required AT Materials: Follow the instructions on this webpage and obtain the following materials (items 2 and 3).
  2. Departmental AT Support Letter (Post-AT): Obtain a Departmental AT Support Letter on departmental letterhead, signed by the student’s academic department administrator/program coordinator in consultation with the appropriate faculty/advisor, confirming:
    • a) The student is in good academic standing.
    • b) The student is enrolled full-time in their degree program at MIT, including the degree level and major field of study that will be earned.
    • c) The practical experience the student seeks will directly relate to their MIT degree/major field of study.
    • d) Explanation of how the Academic Training work/employment relates to the student’s major field of study.
    • e) Explanation of why the Academic Training work/employment is an integral or critical part of the student’s academic program.
    • f) Explanation of the specific goals and objectives of the Academic Training work/employment.
    • g) Description of the Academic Training work/employment, including the company or organization’s street address, name, and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of employment.
    • h) The date and term by which the student is expected to complete their MIT degree program.
      • For immigration purposes, this is called the “Form Covers Period (Box 3) End Date,”which refers to the point at which students have fulfilled ALL degree requirements.
      • For Undergraduate Students: This may be the expected date all degree requirements are met, the date that all final grades have been received, or when the department and registrar’s office certify the degree.
      • For Graduate Students: This may be the expected date that all degree requirements are met, the dissertation/thesis completion date, or when the department and registrar’s office certify the degree.
      • For Both Undergraduate & Graduate Students: Remember NO work/employment (i.e., RA/TA duties, stipends, etc.) can occur AFTER the Form DS-2019 “Form Covers Period (Box 3) End Date”.
        • Students unsure about their exact MIT degree program completion date MUST contact their academic department advisor, coordinator, and/or administrator.
  3. AT Employer Support/Offer Letter (Post-AT): Students MUST provide a Pre-Degree AT Employer Support/Offer Letter that meets ALL of the following criteria:
    • Be on letterhead and signed.
    • List the employer’s full legal name (e.g., ‘Google LLC’, not ‘Google.com’ or just ‘Google’). This is typically listed in the letter.
    • Provide the position title and a detailed description of the duties/responsibilities of the role.
    • The work/employment start and end dates.
    • List the number of hours per week or specify “Full-Time”.
    • Provide salary/stipend amounts (required).
      • NOTE: Post-Degree AT work/employment should be paid (at least) the federal minimum wage or comparable compensation.
        • However, unpaid work/employment is allowed, as long as it DOES NOT violate U.S. labor laws.
    • Provide the student’s supervisor’s contact information (phone and email) or the hiring personnel’s contact information if different from the supervisor’s.
    • Work site address (i.e., where the student will physically be working/located) and the employer’s main company address, if different from the work site address.
      • NOTE: All Post-Degree AT Employer Support/Offer Letters MUST be between 1 and 3 pages in length.
      • If the letter exceeds this limit, the student MUST highlight all the required information, as the ISO CANNOT evaluate lengthy letters.
        • Refer to an example of an acceptable Employer Support/Offer Letter here.
  4. Hours-Per-Week: Students can ONLY request Post-Degree AT authorization for full-time work/employment (more than 20 hours per week).
  5. MIT Administrative Fee: For MIT-sponsored students applying for Post-Degree AT:
    • For an initial period of up to 18 months, a required fee of $150 applies.
    • For periods longer than 18 months (e.g., PhD students), a required fee of $200 applies.
    • All MIT Administrative Fees can be paid online by debit or credit card.
  6. Submit Post-Degree AT Request via iMIT: MIT-sponsored J-1 students MUST request the required AT Form DS-2019 at least three (3) weeks BEFORE the “End Date” listed in the “Form Covers Period (Box 3)” section on page 1 of their most recently issued Form DS-2019. NOTE: ISO document processing times remain ten (10) business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
    • The student MUST log in to iMIT through ‘Full Client Services’, select the ‘J-1 Student Services’ tab on the left sidebar of their iMIT Home Page, select ‘Academic Training’ and ‘Start a New Request’, then complete all five (5) of the required e-Forms.

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ALLOWABLE ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) DATES & APPLICATION DEADLINES

IMPORTANT: Failure to adhere to the dates, deadlines, and requirements outlined on this webpage can result in the loss of a student’s entire Academic Training (AT) benefit. READ CAREFULLY.

  • Pre-Degree AT (Pre-AT): Choosing a Pre-Degree AT start and end date will depend on a student’s specific circumstances and whether the student meets the eligibility requirements. Students should review the Academic Training (AT) Eligibility Requirements section (#8) above.
  • Post-Degree AT (Post-AT): Allowable Post-Degree AT work/employment start and end dates will depend on a student’s specific circumstances and whether the student meets the eligibility requirements.
    • REMINDER: Post-Degree AT MUST be approved BEFORE the end date (Box #3) on page 1 of the student’s Form DS-2019, and the work/employment MUST begin within 30 days of that end date (Box #3); otherwise, the student will lose the Post-Degree AT benefits.
  • ATTENTION: Under a student’s current MIT degree program, any period of AT used before degree completion (Pre-Degree AT) MUST be subtracted from their allowable Post-Degree AT duration.
    • Approved full-time and part-time Pre-Degree AT authorizations are both deducted at the full rate.
      • For example, if a student is approved for 4 months of full-time and another 4 months of part-time Pre-Degree AT, they must deduct 8 months from their allowable Post-Degree AT duration.

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ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

How to Apply for AT Authorization

MIT-sponsored J-1 students who wish to apply for a Form DS-2019 with AT authorization MUST submit the required AT e-Form request in iMIT at least three (3) weeks BEFORE:

  • Pre-Degree AT (Pre-AT): The intended work/employment start date.
  • Post-Degree AT (Post-AT): The “End Date” listed in Box 3 of their Form I-20.

MIT-sponsored J-1 students MUST follow the steps below to apply for Pre-Degree/Post-Degree AT authorization:

  • Step 1: Log in to iMIT through ‘Full Client Services’.
  • Step 2: Select the ‘J-1 Student Services’ tab on the left sidebar of the iMIT Home Page.
  • Step 3: Select ‘Academic Training’, and then ‘Start a New Request’, and complete all five (5) of the required e-Forms.
    • 1) Complete the “AT Application Overview” e-Form:
      • Students MUST verify their J-1 status and that they are eligible for Academic Training (AT) authorization by uploading copies of their most recently issued passport (MUST be valid) and I-94 Record (MUST show “J-1” and “D/S”).
    • 2) Complete the “Verify AT Eligibility” e-Form:
      • Students MUST verify their J-1 status and that they are eligible for Academic Training (AT) authorization.
    • 3) Complete the “AT Request Details” e-Form:
      • Students MUST confirm their MIT Academic information and submit a copy of their Departmental AT Support Letter that meets ALL the requirements listed above in the Academic Training (AT) Authorization Requirements section (#2 in Pre/Post-AT).
    • 4) Complete the “AT Employment Information” e-Form:
      • Students MUST confirm their J-1 Academic Training (AT) employer information and submit a copy of their AT Employer Support/Offer Letter that meets ALL the requirements listed above in the Academic Training (AT) Authorization Requirements section (#3 in Pre/Post-AT).
    • 5) Complete the “AT Responsibility Acknowledgement” e-Form:
      • Students MUST confirm:
        • Their current U.S. contact information.
        • That they understand the rules and regulations for Academic Training (AT) authorization.
        • That everything they have submitted is true and accurate.

REMINDER: All documentation MUST be uploaded in accepted formats:
**PDF, JPG, GIF, BMP, and PNG) and are under 2MB in size.
*Confirm that the uploaded files are NOT from Dropbox/”The Cloud”.
*Ensure NO special characters or incorrect file names are in the documents (e.g., “doc.pdf.”).
*All documentation uploaded MUST be clear and legible.

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Processing Times

ISO Document Processing Times: For MIT-sponsored J-1 degree-seeking students, processing times for Academic Training (AT) authorization are 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).

  • After a complete and accurate AT e-Form request is submitted through iMIT, the ISO will issue the AT Form DS-2019.
  • Students should NOT contact the ISO by phone or email unless the request has been pending beyond 10 business days.
  • To check the status of a request, students MUST return to the Academic Training e-Form in iMIT. Once processed, the status will change from “Pending” to “Approved.”

IMPORTANT: Submitting incorrect, incomplete, or insufficient documentation will delay the processing of a student’s Academic Training (AT) request. Students are responsible for carefully reviewing and following ALL instructions provided on the ISO website to avoid delays.

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Required Form DS-2019 – Key Reminders

After an MIT-sponsored J-1 degree-seeking student’s Academic Training (AT) e-Form request is approved:

  • The student will receive an email to their @MIT.edu email address confirming that their AT Form(s) DS-2019 and ISO AT Support Letter have been processed and are available electronically in their iMIT Document Viewer section.
    • After reviewing the Form(s) DS-2019, students MUST download, print, and sign and date them by hand with a “wet” signature to make them a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.
    • ALL Academic Training (AT) Form DS-2019s will include a new travel signature:
      • For Pre-Degree AT, the signature will be valid for twelve (12) months, with the AT recommendation on page 1.
      • For Post-Degree AT, the signature will be valid for six (6) months, with the AT recommendation on page 1.

ATTENTION: Students MUST first request and receive the new AT Form DS-2019 from their J-1 Program Sponsor with the AT recommendation on page 1 BEFORE the end date listed on their Form DS-2019.

**Submitting an AT application to the J-1 Program Sponsor AFTER the end date listed on their Form DS-2019 will result in the application being DENIED**

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ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) & TRAVEL

All international students should carefully consider travel plans outside the U.S. BEFORE and AFTER the “End Date” listed in the “Form Covers Period (Box 3)” on their Form DS-2019. While travel is permitted after submitting an AT application to the J-1 Program Sponsor (ISO, Fulbright, etc.), it carries potential risks and should be done cautiously.

Travel BEFORE the Form DS-2019 End Date

Students who travel outside the U.S. and return BEFORE the “Form Covers Period (Box 3) End Date” listed on page 1 of their Form DS-2019 are considered a Continuing J-1 Student and MUST carry the following, regardless of whether they have an AT application pending or approved with USCIS:

  1. Valid Passport: A passport MUST be valid for six (6) months into the future.
  2. Valid J-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: J-1 entry visa sticker/stamp MUST be valid (NOT Expired) to enter the U.S. [Except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda].
  3. Form DS-2019: The most recently issued Form DS-2019 was signed for travel (page 1) within the past 12 months.
    1. Example: If a Form DS-2019 document was signed for travel on September 15 [Current Year], it remains valid for multiple trips until September 14 [Following Year] – OR – until the end date listed on page 1, whichever date comes first.
  4. Evidence of Enrollment: Can be obtained online from the Registrar’s Office.
  5. Evidence of Financial Support: Financial support documentation (as listed on the Form DS-2019). See the ISO website for financial support documentation requirements.

NOTE: A student’s I-94 Record will change after they return to the U.S. This is expected and DOES NOT impact a submitted and/or pending AT application.

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Travel AFTER the Form DS-2019 End Date (AT APPROVED)

Students who travel outside the U.S. and return AFTER the “Form Covers Period (Box 3) End Date” listed on page 1 of their Form DS-2019 are considered a Continuing J-1 Student on AT and MUST have applied and been approved for Post-Degree AT (Post-AT) authorization BEFORE their Form DS-2019 end date. They will need to carry the following documentation:

  1. Valid Passport: A passport MUST be valid for six (6) months into the future.
  2. Valid J-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: J-1 entry visa sticker/stamp MUST be valid (NOT Expired) to enter the U.S. [Except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda].
  3. Form DS-2019: The most recently issued Form DS-2019 MUST:
    • Have the student’s current AT employer(s) information listed on page 1.
    • Have been signed for travel (page 1) within the past six (6) months.
  4. Post-Degree AT Employer Support/Offer Letter: A recently issued letter from the AT employer, including the dates of employment/training, job duties, location of the work/employment activity, supervisor contact information, and any salary/stipend received.
  5. ISO Post-Degree AT Support Letter: The recent Post-AT letter from the ISO.

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Key Travel Reminders & Considerations
  • Students traveling outside the U.S. MUST confirm they have ALL the required documents for their return to the U.S. This includes a valid visa sticker/stamp (except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda).
  • Students traveling to a country other than their home country or the U.S. MUST confirm entry visa requirements and any travel restrictions for the countries they visit and/or transit through.
  • Additionally, students must NEVER enter the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP/ESTA), as this will TERMINATE their J-1 status and INVALIDATE any Academic Training (AT) benefits.
  • Travel Signatures: After the end date listed on a student’s Form DS-2019 and during AT, travel signatures (page 1) are ONLY valid for six (6) months.
  • I-94 Record: Students MUST continue to check their I-94 record upon EVERY entry into the U.S. to confirm it lists “J-1” as the Class of Admission and “D/S” as the Admit Until Date.
  • Travel Considerations: If a student exits the U.S. and their J-1 visa sticker/stamp has expired, they MUST apply for a new J-1 visa sticker/stamp at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad BEFORE returning to the U.S. in J-1 status with AT.
    • NOTE: Students not traveling outside the U.S. DO NOT need a valid J-1 visa sticker/stamp in their passport to remain in the country.

ATTENTION: J-1 students are NOT allowed to have prolonged absences outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months.

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MAINTAINING J-1 STATUS DURING ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT)

REMINDER: AT is a benefit of a student’s J-1 status. It is NOT a separate U.S. immigration status. Therefore, J-1 students are responsible for maintaining their U.S. nonimmigrant status, particularly during their approved AT periods.

  • IMPORTANT: All work/employment activities MUST be specific to the student’s major field of study and NOT based on general concepts from the degree program or a single course.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) closely monitors work/employment authorizations for international students. DHS-issued Policy Guidance clearly states that ALL off-campus work/employment activities MUST meet all eligibility criteria, including being “directly related to the student’s major area of study” [22 CFR 62.23(f)(3)(ii)].
  • Therefore, to avoid any impacts on current or future U.S. immigration status and benefits (i.e., H-1B and Green Card), students MUST ensure that their AT work/employment authorizations meet all the eligibility criteria outlined throughout the ISO website, the ISO Knowledge Base webpage, and on the U.S. government webpage.

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Reporting Requirements

IMPORTANT: DON’T FORGET TO REPORT ALL UPDATES AND CHANGES!
*International students are responsible for maintaining their U.S. immigration status.
*U.S. federal regulations mandate that all J-1 students report ANY updates or changes to their J-1 Program Sponsor within 10 calendar days of their occurrence.
*Failure to report these updates/changes or allowing the Form DS-2019 end date to expire will result in the loss of a student’s legal U.S. immigration status, which can have serious consequences.

  • DURING Degree Program: Students MUST report any changes or updates to their J-1 Program Sponsor (MIT-ISO, Fulbright, etc.), who will then notify the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For MIT-sponsored J-1 students, this includes, but is not limited to the following:
    • Ensuring full-time enrollment each academic term.
    • Reporting contact information updates, U.S. phone number, and primary and/or alternative email address(es).
    • Keeping immigration documents valid and up to date.
    • Reporting address updates, which should be made in WebSIS under the “SEVIS U.S. Address” field.
    • Reporting academic program changes or updates, including degree level, department, program, and end dates.
    • Reporting changes or updates to funding information.
  • AFTER Degree Program (Post-Degree AT): Students MUST report all changes or updates to their J-1 Program Sponsor (MIT-ISO, Fulbright, etc.), who will then notify the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For MIT-sponsored J-1 students, all changes or updates MUST be submitted directly to iMIT, and include, but are not limited to the following:
    • Reporting residential address updates.
    • Reporting contact information updates, U.S. phone number, and primary and/or alternative email address(es).
    • Reporting ALL Academic Training (AT) Employer changes or updates, including but not limited to the following:
      • Employment start and end dates.
      • Employer(s) work site location and mailing address (if different from work site location).
      • Employer name.
      • Employment salary/pay.
      • Job duties or role.
      • Number of hours per week.
      • Changing employers.
    • Reporting a transfer and/or the beginning of a new program of study in the U.S.
    • Reporting a change to a new U.S. immigration status.
    • Reporting final departure from the U.S.

REMINDER: The mission of the ISO is to assist all MIT international students in navigating the complexities of maintaining a legal U.S. immigration status while in the U.S.

However, international students are responsible for maintaining their J-1 status in the U.S. Additionally, the ISO relies on students to keep us informed of all updates and changes to help us support and ensure the students’ compliance with their U.S. regulatory responsibilities.

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Qualified Work/Employment Criteria

To maintain J-1 status while on AT, students MUST engage in “Qualified Employment” that meets the following criteria:

  • Work/Employment Directly Related To Degree: For both Pre- and Post-Degree AT, ALL work/employment MUST be directly related to the student’s degree and provide practical experience in their field of study.
  • Hours-Per-Week Requirements:
    • Pre-Degree AT: Can ONLY be authorized within official MIT academic term dates for:
      • Part-Time Academic Training (AT): During the fall and spring academic terms, Academic Training (AT) can ONLY be authorized part-time (20 hours per week or less).
      • Full-Time Academic Training (AT): During an official vacation term (e.g., summer or IAP), if the student is NOT required to be enrolled full-time during that specific term [22 CFR 62.23(g)(2)(iii)], Academic Training (AT) can be authorized full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
    • Post-Degree AT: Can ONLY be authorized for full-time (more than 20 hours a week).
      • NOTE: U.S. immigration considers work/employment over 20 hours per week as full-time work/employment in the U.S. This can include multiple concurrent jobs as long as the total equals more than 20 hours per week.
        • For example, a student may have two (2) part-time jobs totaling 30 hours a week.
  • Paid & Unpaid Academic Training (AT) Requirements:
    • Pre-Degree AT: Students may engage in either paid or unpaid work/employment.
    • Post-Degree AT: All work/employment should be paid at or above the federal minimum wage  (or comparable compensation).
      • Important Compliance Note: All unpaid work/employment is ONLY permitted if it meets the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) criteria for volunteering/unpaid work and DOES NOT violate U.S. labor laws.
    • Funding Requirement for Unpaid Post-Degree AT: Students pursuing unpaid work/employment during Post-Degree AT MUST provide proof of financial support covering the entire AT period (issued within the past six months). Funding MUST also include support for any J-2 dependents.
      • J-1 Student: $4,000 per month
      • First J-2 Dependent: $1,256 per month
      • Second J-2 Dependent: $500 per month
      • Each Additional J-2 Dependent: $292 per month
      • Example: For 18 months of Post-Degree AT with one J-2 dependent, the student MUST show at least $94,611 in financial support.
  • U.S. Presence: The student MUST maintain a valid U.S. phone number and address. Additionally, during Pre-Degree AT, the student MUST be registered full-time and in good academic standing.
  • U.S. Immigration Documentation: The student maintains evidence/documentation of ALL work/employment activities (i.e., employment dates, duration, job duties, hours per week, company name, work site address, job offer letter, pay stubs, W2 forms, etc.).
  • AT Reporting: Students MUST report updates or changes to iMIT within 10 calendar days.

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AT Work/Employment Restrictions
  • Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship Prohibited: Academic Training (AT) CANNOT be approved for a student’s own start-up, contract work, or any other form of self-employment. All AT work/employment MUST include a formal training plan and direct, ongoing supervision.
  • In-Person or Hybrid ONLY: Under U.S. Department of State (DOS) guidance, AT work/employment MUST be conducted entirely in person or an approved hybrid format. Fully remote positions are NOT permitted.
    • Hybrid Definition: DOS defines hybrid work as “no more than 40% of the time (e.g., two days out of five) when their host organizations have instituted partial remote policies and their sponsor has approved their hybrid program participation”.  

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Unemployment Rules
  • NO additional “Gaps/Breaks” during a student’s Academic Training (AT) periods are allowed (i.e., unemployment time).
    • Pre-Degree AT: The student would need to contact the ISO (via iMIT) to report any work/employment updates or changes during an approved period of Pre-Degree AT.
    • Post-Degree AT: Unemployment is NOT allowed during an approved period of Post-Degree AT.
      • EXAMPLE: If a student ends their AT work/employment with “Employer A” on June 1, then they MUST begin their following AT work/employment with “Employer B” on June 2.
  • IMPORTANT: During an approved period of Post-Degree AT, students MUST start their work/employment within 30 days of their Form DS-2019 end date, and those days count towards their total Post-Degree AT time allotment. “Students who delay the actual start of employment until 30 days after completing their course of study would therefore lose academic training time.”
    • EXAMPLE: If a student’s degree program end date is May 31 [Current Year], and they do not begin their AT work/employment until June 25 [Current Year], then they have lost 25 days of their total Academic Training time allowance.

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Health Insurance Requirements

U.S. federal J Exchange Visitor regulations [22 CFR 62.14] REQUIRE all J-1 students and any accompanying J-2 dependents to maintain qualifying health insurance for the ENTIRE duration of their stay in the U.S., including all periods of Academic Training (AT).

  • Requirements:
    • Coverage MUST meet or exceed U.S. federal minimum requirements.
    • For students in Post-Degree Academic Training, if the AT employer does not provide health insurance, students MUST obtain valid U.S. health insurance that meets the minimum requirements.
    • Information on alternative health insurance coverage options is available [here].

REMINDER: Detailed guidance on maintaining J-1 status is available for both the degree program period and the Post-Degree Academic Training (AT) period.

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ADDITIONAL REMINDERS & CONSIDERATIONS

Social Security Number (SSN) Guidance

The ISO provides detailed instructions on our Social Security Number (SSN) webpage to help students complete their SSN applications.

  • Students with an SSN: If a student already has an SSN, they DO NOT need to apply again. An SSN is valid for life.
  • Students without an SSN: If a student DOES NOT have an SSN, they can apply for an SSN in person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office no earlier than 30 days BEFORE the start date on their approved Academic Training (AT) work/employment authorization.

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Special AT Situations
  • [IMPORTANT] Post-Degree AT Authorization Applicants: Students whose final degree requirement is a thesis and/or dissertation MUST ensure that they coordinate with their thesis/dissertation advisor to establish a confirmed expected program completion date, which is the date when all degree requirements are fulfilled, and the thesis/dissertation is certified by both the academic department and the Registrar’s Office.
  • [ATTENTION] Joint Academic Program Applicants: For students in joint academic programs (e.g., MIT–WHOI, MIT–Harvard HST), both the MIT Graduate Administrator in the home academic department and the Graduate Administrator for the joint program MUST be contacted to obtain the required Departmental AT Support Letter.

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Application Checklist
  1. AT Information Review: Review this webpage (thoroughly), including all links and instructions.
  2. ISO AT Request: Gather all required documents and materials to submit a Pre-Degree AT request or a Post-Degree AT request to the ISO (via iMIT).
  3. AT Form DS-2019: Obtain the new Form DS-2019 with the AT work/employment authorization from the J-1 Program Sponsor (ISO, Fulbright, etc.).
  4. Photocopies: Students are strongly advised to retain copies of ALL immigration documents and receipts, especially for an AT application, as part of their personal immigration records.
  5. AT Fees: Be ready with the required fee payment(s). Verifying the correct fees in advance.
  6. Gather Required Documents: Students MUST gather and ensure that all required documents, materials, and information are accurate, complete, and comply with all requirements for Pre-Degree AT or Post-Degree AT.
  7. NO WORK/EMPLOYMENT-RELATED ACTIVITIES: Students CANNOT begin any work/employment-related activities (paid or unpaid) until they have:
    • Received AT approval from their J-1 Program Sponsor.
    • Received the approved AT Form DS-2019, listing their AT work/employment authorization.
    • The student is within the approved dates listed in the “Academic Training section of (Box 5)” of their AT Form DS-2019 BEFORE starting any AT work/employment, including employer orientations, onboarding, or meetings.
    • REMINDER! Engaging in work/employment without proper authorization can have serious consequences, including, but not limited to:
      • Jeopardizing a student’s ability to complete their MIT degree program.
      • Requiring a student’s immediate departure from the U.S.
      • Impacting future eligibility for U.S. immigration statuses and benefits (e.g., H-1B, O-1, permanent residency).

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ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Helpful Academic Training FAQs

Students will find most answers to their questions on this webpage. However, below are answers to common Academic Training (AT) questions.

  • Question: Who is eligible for Academic Training?
  • Question: How soon into an academic program are students eligible to obtain Academic Training authorization?
    • Answer: Please review the J-1 Academic Training (AT) Overview section above.
  • Question: How many hours can students work?
    • Answer Pre-Degree AT: Students can request Pre-Degree AT authorization for:
      • Part-time (less than 20 hours a week), or
      • Full-time work/employment (more than 20 hours per week)
      • ATTENTION: All Pre-Degree AT authorizations are deducted from a student’s maximum allowed AT duration, regardless of whether the employment is part-time or full-time.
        • Example: If a student does 100 days of full-time Pre-Degree AT in summer [current calendar year] and 34 days of part-time Pre-Degree AT in fall [current calendar year], they have used 134 days of their total allowable AT duration. 
    • Answer Post-Degree AT: Students can ONLY request Post-Degree AT authorization for full-time work/employment (more than 20 hours per week).
  • Question: Is there a deadline for applying for Post-Degree Academic Training (Post-AT)?
    • Answer: YES. Post-Degree AT MUST be approved BEFORE the end date on page 1 of the student’s Form DS-2019, and the AT work/employment MUST begin within 30 days of that end date. Submitting an AT application to the J-1 Program Sponsor AFTER the end date listed on the Form DS-2019 will result in the application being DENIED.
  • Question: Can the deadline be extended if students are late with the Post-AT application?
    • Answer: NO. Unfortunately, the 30-day deadline is specified in federal regulations. Students MUST apply for and receive authorization for Post-Degree AT BEFORE their program of studies ends (e.g., the end date listed on their Form DS-2019 or the date they complete all degree requirements, whichever is earlier).
  • Question: Do students need to have a job offer before applying for Pre-degree or Post-Degree Academic Training?
    • Answer: YES. Students MUST have an AT Employer Support/Offer Letter that meets the Pre-Degree AT and Post-Degree AT authorization requirements.
  • Question: How long does it take to receive authorization for Academic Training?
    • Answer: Please review the Processing Times section above.
      • NOTE: If MIT is not the J-1 program sponsor, the ISO CANNOT authorize Academic Training. Students MUST contact their J-1 sponsor (the institution that issued their Form DS-2019) to confirm eligibility and follow the sponsor’s procedures to obtain Academic Training authorization.

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ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) RESOURCES

ISO/MIT Resources:

  • The ISO Post-Degree AT Reporting Requirements webpage
  • ISO main Employment webpage
  • ISO Knowledge Base webpage
  • ISO J-1 Two-Year Home Residency Requirement (212e) webpage

USCIS & DOS Resources:

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) J-1 Exchange Visitor resource webpage
  • U.S. Department of State (DOS) Announces J-1 STEM AT Extension. The initiative will run until June 30, 2026, for J-1 students who meet the academic training requirements.

OFR & ICE Resources:

  • U.S. Office of the Federal Register (OFR) J-1 Student Regulations webpage
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) International Student webpage.

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Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.

For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Employment web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

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MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education