J-1 Academic Training Reporting Requirements

Post-Degree AT Reporting Requirements For MIT-Sponsored J-1 Students

CRITICAL REMINDER: The U.S. government holds individuals in J status (J-1/J-2) LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE for maintaining their U.S. immigration status. As a reminder, individuals in J-1 status MUST comply with all federal reporting requirements. THEREFORE, REVIEW THIS WEBPAGE CAREFULLY.

IMPORTANT: MIT-sponsored J-1 students employed by MIT during approved periods of Post-Degree AT are REQUIRED to report to the ISO (instructions on this webpage) – AND – register and report to the MIT International Scholars Office (ISchO) through the ISchO Portal. This allows ISchO to record Post-Degree AT authorization and provide guidance to prevent gaps in employment at MIT.

I. MANDATORY POST-DEGREE AT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The information below applies to ALL J-1 students on the Post-Degree AT.

CRITICAL WARNING: U.S. federal regulations REQUIRE individuals in J-1 status to report all updates or changes to their J-1 Program Sponsor (MIT-ISO, Fulbright, or another sponsor). Failure to meet the reporting requirements will result in the TERMINATION of an individual’s J-1 student status. It can also affect eligibility for future U.S. immigration benefits, such as an H-1B or U.S. Permanent Residency.

Information that MUST be reported to the ISO (via iMIT) includes, but is NOT limited to:

  • 1) US. Address: Update changes to U.S. residential and/or mailing addresses. If different, both addresses MUST be reported.
  • 2) Contact Information: Update changes to U.S. telephone numbers and/or personal, non-MIT email addresses used for SEVIS notifications and ISO correspondence.
  • 3) Post-Degree AT Work/Employment Requirements: Students on the Post-Degree AT MUST report the following changes or updates, as outlined in federal regulations [22 CFR 62.23(f)], including, but NOT limited to:
    • a) Start Date(s): Date the work/employment begins.
    • b) End Date(s): Date the work/employment ends.
    • c) Employer Name or EIN Change: Use the official company name as listed on offer letters, pay statements, or tax forms. For changes, report the date an employer’s legal name or Employer Identification Number (EIN) changes.
    • d) Employer Address Change: If the company headquarters differs from the student’s physical worksite address, report both locations.
    • e) Supervisor Information: Update the supervisor’s name and contact information.
    • f) Work/Employment Position: All work/employment during the Post-Degree AT MUST continue to meet all federal Post-Degree AT eligibility criteria.
      • Any changes to the individual’s job title, duties, responsibilities, compensation, or the employer’s commitments to the student’s Post-Degree AT learning objectives MUST be reported to the ISO.
    • g) Work Hours: All Post-Degree AT work/employment MUST be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) per employer.
    • h) Unemployment: There is no “unemployment” allowed during Post-Degree AT, as there can be no “gaps” 30 days after completion of the MIT degree program.
    • i) Compensation: All work/employment during the Post-Degree AT can be paid or unpaid, but ONLY if it DOES NOT violate U.S. labor laws.
    • j) Remote Work Limitations: All work/employment during the Post-Degree AT 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.
  • 4) Ending J-1 Status/Post-Degree AT & Departing the U.S.: If ending J-1 status/Post-Degree AT and departing the U.S. permanently, report this through iMIT BEFORE departure.
    • See the Reporting the End of J-1 Status & Departure from the U.S. section below for instructions.
  • 5) New Academic Program or Transfer: Report if beginning a new academic program or transferring to another U.S. institution.
    • See the Transferring to a New U.S. Institution, School, or Program section below for instructions.
  • 6) Change of U.S. Immigration Status: Report the approval of a new U.S. immigration status (e.g., H-1B, O-1, Permanent Residency) and upload relevant documentation (e.g., Form I-797 or green card), even if the status becomes effective at a later date.
    • See the Reporting a Change of U.S. Immigration Status section below for instructions.
  • 7) Updates to Passport: Report updates, such as a new passport to iMIT.
  • 8) Updates to J-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: Report updates, such as a new visa sticker/stamp to iMIT.
  • 9) Change of Legal Name/Citizenship: Report updates, such as a new passport with a new legal name or citizenship.
  • 10) J-2 Dependent Changes: Report ALL changes to a J-2 dependent’s status (i.e., 1-9 above).

CRITICAL REMINDER: All required updates MUST be reported within 10 calendar days through iMIT. Failure to report on time may result in loss of lawful J-1 status and impact eligibility for future U.S. immigration benefits.

Back to Top

II. ACCESSING iMIT & SUBMITTING REQUIRED E-FORMS

COMPLIANCE REMINDER: Submitting these e-Forms to the ISO ensures that an MIT-sponsored J-1 student’s SEVIS record is accurately updated and that the student remains in compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting requirements.

The instructions below outline how to access iMIT and complete the required e-Forms for reporting any Post-Degree AT updates or changes.

  • [Step 1] Log into iMIT: Go to the iMIT “Limited Client Services for Alumni” webpage and request a PIN to log in.
    • If login remains unsuccessful, follow the instructions on the ISO website [here].
  • [Step 2] Complete Relevant e-Forms: After logging in to iMIT, select ‘J-1 Alumni Services’ and complete all applicable e-Forms listed below:
    • ‘Update Contact Information for Alumni’: Report updates to personal contact information (U.S. phone and email).
    • ‘Update Addresses for Alumni on AT’: Report changes/updates to a U.S. residential address and U.S. mailing address if different.
    • ‘Add New Employer Information for AT’: Enter all current Post-Degree work/employment information. Each work/employment activity MUST:
      • Be full-time (20 hours a week or more) to maintain a valid J-1 status.
    • ‘Update Employer Information for AT’: Use this e-Form to update or edit Post-Degree AT employer details listed on the Form DS-2019 (page 1).
    • ‘Report End of Employment and/or Departure’: Required for students who:
      • Permanently depart the U.S., ending J-1 status and Post-Degree AT.
      • Change their U.S. immigration status.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For issues with iMIT or uploads, refer to the ISO iMIT Issues – Troubleshooting Steps webpage.

Back to Top

III. OTHER REQUIRED REPORTING DURING POST-DEGREE AT

Reporting Changes & Updates to Post-Degree AT Work/Employment

Any change or update to work/employment information during the Post-Degree AT REQUIRES the submission of one or both of the following e-Forms in iMIT.

  • Step 1: Follow the instructions outlined in the Accessing iMIT & Submitting Required e-Forms section to log in and begin the reporting process.
  • Step 2: Complete the Relevant e-Forms:
    • i) ‘Update Employer Information for AT’:
      • Enter the end date of the previous Post-Degree AT work/employment.
    • ii) ‘Add New Employer Information for AT’:
      • Enter the new Post-Degree AT work/employment information, including the start date with the new employer.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Unemployment is NOT allowed during an approved period of Post-Degree AT. For example, if an individual 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.

Back to Top

Reporting the End of J-1 Status & Departure from the U.S.

When an individual in J-1 status permanently departs the U.S., two (2) e-Forms MUST be submitted in iMIT to close their SEVIS record and ensure regulatory compliance.

  • Step 1: Follow the instructions outlined in the Accessing iMIT & Submitting Required e-Forms section to log in and begin the reporting process.
  • Step 2: Complete the Relevant e-Forms:
    • i) ‘Update Employer Information for AT’:
      • Enter the end date of the previous Post-Degree AT work/employment.
    • ii) ‘Report End of Employment and/or Departure’:
      • Enter the date of the planned permanent departure from the U.S.

Back to Top

Transferring to a New U.S. Institution, School, or Program

When a J-1 student plans to transfer their SEVIS record to another U.S. institution, school, or program, it is crucial to comply with all U.S. immigration regulations to maintain valid J-1 status. Transferring a J-1 SEVIS record REQUIRES submitting specific documentation to the ISO.

  • Step 1: Submit the Required Transfer-Out Documentation: The J-1 student MUST email the following documentation directly to their ISO Advisor.
    • ii) Admissions Letter: A copy of the admission or acceptance letter from the new institution, school, or program.
    • iii) Additional Transfer Forms (if applicable): Any additional transfer-related forms required by the new institution, school, or program.
    • iv) iMIT Reporting Requirement: Completion of the ‘Update Employer Information for AT’ e-Form:
      • Enter the end date of the previous Post-Degree AT work/employment.
  • Step 2: Understand Key Transfer-Out Requirements:
    • i) Transfer Release Date: The transfer release date must be a future date.
      • NOTE: The ISO requires a minimum of 10 business days to process a SEVIS transfer.
    • ii) SEVIS Transfer Eligibility: The ISO can ONLY transfer a SEVIS record once all required documents listed above have been submitted and approved by the ISO.
    • iii) New Form DS-2019 Issuance: The new institution CANNOT issue a new Form DS-2019 until AFTER the approved transfer release date requested by the J-1 student and approved by the ISO.
    • iv) Work/Employment Authorization: All J-1 work/employment authorizations (on-campus or Post-Degree AT) end on the transfer release date selected by the student. Therefore, students MUST be prepared to stop working on or BEFORE that date.
      • Example: If a student’s final day of work/employment is August 4, the transfer release date should be set as August 5.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Individuals are RESPONSIBLE for ensuring that their SEVIS transfer is completed BEFORE beginning activities at the new institution, school, or program. Failure to complete the process properly may result in the TERMINATION of J-1 status.

Back to Top

Reporting a Change of U.S. Immigration Status

When an individual in J-1 status changes to a new U.S. immigration status, they are REQUIRED to submit one (1) e-Form in iMIT to ensure proper SEVIS record completion and regulatory compliance.

  • Step 1: Follow the instructions outlined in the Accessing iMIT & Submitting Required e-Forms section to log in and begin the reporting process.
  • Step 2: Complete the ‘Report End of Employment and/or Departure’ e-Form:
    • Enter the date of the planned permanent departure from the U.S.
    • Upload the following required documents:
      • i) Change of Status (COS) Approval Notice: ONLY upload a copy of the Form I-797A or Form I-797B approval notice.
      • ii) J-1 Evaluation Form: A completed and signed (by the J-1 student and the employer) ‘Final Academic Training Evaluation Form’.  The evaluation form is REQUIRED whenever an individual leaves/ends employment during Post-Degree AT.

COMPLIANCE ALERT: The e-Form MUST be submitted within 10 calendar days of receiving approval for the new immigration status or re-entering the U.S. in the new status. Timely reporting allows the ISO to properly complete the student’s SEVIS record and prevent potential SEVIS data discrepancies or status violations.

ATTENTION: J-1 students who change immigration status through Consular Processing or Consular Notification (CPN) MUST also upload a copy of their most recent I-94 Record showing their new U.S. immigration status.

Back to Top

IV. MAINTAINING J-1 STATUS DURING POST-DEGREE AT

IMMIGRATION REMINDER: Optional Practical Training (Post-Degree AT) is NOT a separate U.S. immigration status. It is a “benefit” of J-1 status. After completing an MIT degree program, J-1 status is no longer based on academics, but instead on authorized, qualifying work/employment in the U.S.

Requirements for Maintaining J-1 Status During Post-Degree AT

To maintain a valid J-1 status during  or the Post-Degree AT, students MUST comply with all five (5) regulatory requirements below:

  • 1) Engage in Qualified Work/Employment: All work/employment activities MUST be directly related to the student’s MIT degree/major field of study, and be an integral or critical part of the academic program.
  • 2) Maintain Full-Time Work/Employment: All work/employment activities MUST be 20 hours per week or more for each Post-Degree AT employer.
    • REMINDER: Unemployment is NOT allowed during Post-Degree AT.
  • 3) Maintain Valid U.S. Contact Information: MIT-sponsored J-1 students MUST maintain a current U.S. phone number and U.S. residential address at all times.
  • 4) Report All Changes Promptly: MIT-sponsored J-1 students MUST report any changes or updates (e.g., address, phone number, employment details) within 10 calendar days via iMIT.
  • 5) Avoid Extended Time Outside the U.S.: Students CANNOT be outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months. Being outside the U.S. for more than five (5) months ends a student’s J-1 status (and J-2 dependent status) and Post-Degree AT benefits.

Back to Top

Unemployment Limits & Rules

During Post-Degree AT, U.S. federal regulations [22 CFR 62.23(f)(2)(ii)] DO NOT allow gaps or breaks in employment. As such, any period without qualified AT work/employment is considered unemployment and NOT allowed.

  • Consequences of Unemployment: Unemployment is NOT permitted during Post-Degree AT and would be considered a VIOLATION of J-1 status. This will result in the termination of J-1 (and J-2) status and may negatively affect future U.S. immigration benefits, including eligibility for H-1B status.
    • Required Action: If an individual expects a possible gap in employment, they MUST act BEFORE their current AT employment ends by choosing one of the following options:
      • Transferring to another SEVIS-certified institution, school, or program in the same J-1 student status.
      • Changing to a new U.S. immigration status.
  • How “Unemployment Time” Is Counted: Unemployment time during Post-Degree AT is calculated daily, beginning from the Post-Degree AT start date listed on the approved Post-AT Form DS-2019.
    • IMPORTANT: If an individual’s degree program end date is May 31 [Current Year], they MUST begin qualified AT work/employment within 30 days of that date (Box #3 on the Form DS-2019); otherwise, they will lose their Post-Degree AT benefits.
      • After the J-1 student begins their Post-AT work/employment, if the employment with “Employer A” ends on June 1, the subsequent employment MUST start on June 2 with “Employer B”.
  • Post-Degree AT-Specific Considerations:
    • Approved paid leaves (e.g., vacation, medical, family, or parental leave) DO NOT count as unemployment if:
      • “An employee is considered to be continuing in his or her employment if he or she has a reasonable expectation of employment at all times, and is returning to or continuing employment in one of the following situations: The employee takes paid or unpaid leave approved by the employer on account of study, illness, disability of a family member, illness, pregnancy, maternity or paternity, vacation, union business, or other temporary leave approved by the employer.” Per immigration regulations [8 CFR §274a.2(b)(4)(viii)(A)].

Back to Top

Personal Start-Ups or Self-Employment

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has provided guidance that a training supervisor is REQUIRED for any period of Academic Training, as they MUST “evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the academic training in achieving the stated goals and objectives to ensure the quality of the academic training program” [22 CFR 62.23(f)(6)].

  • As such, personal start-ups, contract work, or any other form of self-employment is NOT ALLOWED at any time while an individual is in J-1 student status.
  • Individuals in J-1 status MUST be employed by a U.S. employer who administers the “structured training experience” and signs the Final Academic Training Evaluation Form.

Back to Top

Remote Work/Employment Restrictions

  • 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”.  

Back to Top

U.S. Health Insurance Requirements

U.S. federal 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 individuals in Post-Degree Academic Training, if the AT employer does not provide health insurance, they MUST obtain valid U.S. health insurance that meets the minimum requirements.
    • Information on alternative health insurance coverage options is available [here].

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

Back to Top

V. TRAVEL DURING POST-DEGREE AT

International students should carefully evaluate travel plans outside the U.S. during Post-Degree AT, as their J visa sticker/stamp is most likely expired.

CRITICAL REMINDER: The ISO can NEVER guarantee entry into the U.S. All final decisions regarding entry eligibility are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Entry (POE).

Key Travel Reminders & Tips

Travel outside the U.S. is permitted during an approved period of Post-Degree AT, provided the individual carries all required documents for re-entry. Individuals should review the ISO J-1 Travel webpage [here] for detailed guidance. Instructions for requesting an updated Form DS-2019 and a valid travel signature are also available on the ISO website [here].

  • Important Reminders:
    • Travel to Other Countries: Individuals traveling to a country other than their home country or the U.S. MUST check entry requirements and any travel restrictions for every country they visit or transit through.
    • Returning to the U.S.: Individuals MUST NEVER enter the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP/ESTA), or by using Nexus or Global Entry. Doing so will terminate J-1/J-2 status and render all work/employment benefits invalid.
    • I-94 Record: Students MUST check their I-94 record after EVERY entry into the U.S. to confirm that it lists “J-1” as the “Class of Admission” and “D/S” as the “Admit-Until Date”.
  • Visa Sticker/Stamp Reminders:
    • Expired J-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: If an individual’s 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 re-entering the U.S. in J-1 status with Post-Degree AT.
      • NOTE: A J-1 visa sticker/stamp ONLY has to be valid for entry into the U.S. Individuals DO NOT need a valid J-1 visa sticker/stamp to remain in the country. Refer to the ISO Knowledge Base article for more information.

WARNING: If any REQUIRED documentation is missing, there is a risk of being DENIED entry to the U.S. and of losing J-1 status/Post-Degree AT benefits. The ISO CANNOT guarantee entry to the U.S. or predict outcomes at a U.S. port of entry.

Back to Top

VI. ADDITIONAL POST-DEGREE AT REMINDERS & RESOURCES

Important Reminders

  • Maintaining a U.S. immigration status is a J-1 student’s RESPONSIBILITY.
  • NEVER begin ANY work/employment without proper authorization.
  • Report ALL changes and updates in iMIT within 10 calendar days.
  • During approved periods of Post-Degree AT, a travel signature on a Form DS-2019 is valid for ONLY six (6) months from the date it was issued, as indicated on page 1 of the most recently issued Form DS-2019.
  • Keep copies of ALL immigration and employment documentation ever issued.
  • Prolonged absences outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months are NOT allowed.

ATTENTION: The mission of the ISO is to assist all MIT international students in maintaining their lawful J-1 status. However, each individual is personally responsible for complying with all U.S. immigration regulations. The ISO relies on students to keep us informed and to promptly report all updates and changes to the ISO through iMIT, ensuring accurate reporting and maintenance of their legal U.S. immigration status.

IMPORTANT: 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 to pursue work/employment in the U.S., but ONLY if all the requirements are met.

Back to Top

AT Processing Times

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

  • After a complete and accurate AT e-Form is submitted through iMIT, the ISO will issue the AT Form DS-2019.
  • Individuals should NOT contact the ISO by phone or email unless the request has been pending for more than ten (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.”

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

Back to Top

ISO Resources

Back to Top

U.S. Government Resources

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education