Introduction

Academic Training Authorization differs from an F-1 student applying for OPT. There is no formal application or fee to be mailed off for Academic Training. Academic Training is issued by your Program Sponsor in the form of a Work Authorization Letter. If your DS-2019 does not list the University of South Carolina as your program sponsor then you must contact your program sponsor (ex. IIE Fulbright Program, LASPAU, etc.) about Academic Training.

Note that working without receiving prior written authorization from International Student Services will lead to termination of your J-1 status as well as termination of your J-2 dependents' status. Seeking authorization after beginning work is grounds for termination.

Eligibility

1. You are primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training.
2. You are participating in academic training that is directly related to your major field of study at USC, which is listed on your Form DS-2019.
3.  You are in good academic standing with USC.
4. You receive written approval in advance from the responsible officer (RO) for the duration and type of academic training.
5. You must maintain health insurance and medical evacuation/repatriation coverage for yourself and any J-2 dependents through the "Academic Training" period. The health insurance must meet the minimum requirements J-1 visa holders.
6. Academic Training must commence no later than 30 days after completion of your studies.
7. While school is in session, you are limited to part-time pre-completion academic training, unless you are exempt from full-time enrollment/on Z status. If you are employed on-campus, the total number of hours in Academic Training and on-campus employment may not exceed your allowed amount of hours per week.

Length of Academic Training

• 18-month general limit. For undergraduate and pre-doctoral training, you can engage in up to 18 months or the period of the full course of study, whichever is less.
• 36-month maximum for post-doctoral training. Up to 36 months of academic training can be granted for academic training done at the post-doctoral level, inclusive of all prior academic training done at that or lower levels of study.

Applying for Academic Training

To request Academic Training authorization, you must submit the following documents to the International Student Services office at least 10 days prior to the end date of your DS-2019:

1. Pay the  J-1 Post-completion Academic Training SEVIS Maintenance Fee of $100 using this link. This maintenance fee offsets the expenses of mandatory SEVIS compliance and record management after your graduation. Follow this link to pay the $100 SEVIS Maintenance Fee.
2. A completed Academic Training Request Form
   • This form requires a section to be completed by your academic advisor. 
3. An employment offer letter: this letter should be on letterhead and include employer’s name and address, your job title and small job description, dates of employment, hours per week, your supervisor’s name/title/email and phone, and compensation
4. If you are applying for "post-completion Academic Training", you will also need to provide a letter from the Graduate School confirming completion of degree requirements.
5. If your position is non-salaried, you will have to provide proof of finances that covers your and your dependents’ living expenses for the period of your Academic Training
6. Proof of insurance for the period of your Academic Training for you and all J-2 dependents

Changing employer or adding a new employer

Academic Training authorization is employer-specific. If you are adding a new employer or changing employer, you must request a new authorization utilizing the same process. You may not begin new employment until you are authorized for it.

Providing proof to your employer

Once you are authorized, you will get a new DS-2019 and a work authorization letter from ISSS. The DS-2019 and the letter, along with your valid passport, and form I-94, will be sufficient to fill out the I-9 form (to be employed.)

Travel while on post-completion Academic Training

If you are planning to travel outside the United States during your post-completion academic training period, please be aware that you should carry your DS-2019 with a travel signature no older than six months, valid passport, valid visa and proof of employment to re-enter. While travel is possible while on post-completion Academic Training, it is considered more risky if you are traveling on an expired visa as it may be more difficult to get a new visa. If this is the case, please discuss international travel with an ISSS Advisor.