Academic Training (AT) is a work authorization available to J-1 students for training directly related to their field of study. AT must be authorized by the program sponsor (the institution issuing the DS-2019) prior to the start of the AT [22 CFR § 62.23(f)(3)]. OISS can only process AT authorizations for students on Rice-sponsored J statuses. If your J-1 sponsor is outside of Rice (such as Fulbright or IIE), you need to ask your sponsoring agency if you can apply for Academic Training.

Submit your AT application to OISS at https://bit.ly/applyAT. Applications must be submitted at least one week before the requested AT start date or the current expiration date of the DS-2019, whichever is earlier. Requests that do not meet this requirement will be rejected. OISS is not responsible for the loss of an employment opportunity or an immigration benefit due to a missed deadline.

Quick Facts about AT

  • AT is available pre-completion (i.e., during your studies) and post-completion (i.e., after your studies).
  • You must have a job offer at the time of application.
  • AT applies to both paid and unpaid positions.
  • AT must be authorized by OISS before you start the position.
  • AT is employer-specific. Separate authorizations are required for each employer and position.
  • AT employment must be at least 40% in-person (i.e., no more than 2 remote days/week are permitted).
  • Only part-time pre-completion AT (i.e., up to 20 hours/week) is available during the Spring and Fall semesters. Full-time (i.e., over 20 hours/week) can only be authorized during the summer and winter breaks, or for post-completion AT.
  • Part-time and full-time AT count equally toward the maximum duration of AT.
  • A self-evaluation is required at the end of each AT authorization period.

Eligibility

You can apply for J-1 Academic Training if:
1) Your DS-2019 is issued by Rice University and has not expired.
2) You are in good academic standing at Rice.
3) Your intended employment is directly related to your major field of study as confirmed by your faculty advisor.
4) Your AT will start no later than 30 days after completion of your studies.
5) You have not already used the maximum amount of AT allowed.

Duration and Time Limitations

Degree-Seeking Undergraduate and Master's Students

For most degree-seeking students, Academic Training is available for 18 months.

Students enrolled in degree programs that are less than 18 months in duration can be authorized for AT only for a duration equal to or shorter than the length of their studies. For example, if your program is 12 months, your AT authorizations periods cannot exceed 12 months in total.

Doctoral Students

For most doctoral students, Academic Training is available for 36 months.

Students enrolled in doctoral J programs that are less than 36 months in duration can be authorized for AT only for a duration equal to or shorter than the length of their studies.

Exchange Students

Exchange students are eligible for Academic Training for a duration equal to or shorter than the length of their studies. For example, one semester exchange students can be authorized for 4 months of AT.

How to Apply for Academic Training

STEP 1: Secure an employment letter from your employer

To authorize AT, OISS requires that employers verify specific details regarding the position, as listed below. The required information should be provided in a signed letter on the employer's letterhead. The offer letter can be used for this purpose only if it includes all the items indicated below. If a letter cannot be provided, the employer may use our AT Employment Information Form. AT requests with incomplete letters/forms will not be processed.

  • Start and end dates of the position. Please note that AT will be authorized only for the maximum duration allowed if the listed appointment end date is longer than the maximum allowed duration.
  • Number of hours per week.
  • Salary amount, if applicable.
  • Employer's name and address where work will take place.
  • Confirmation of the amount of remote work, if applicable. AT cannot be authorized for positions that have more than 2 remote days/week.
  • Supervisor's name, email address, and phone number. This information will be updated in the immigration record if the AT authorization is granted.
  • Brief description of job duties/responsibilities.

STEP 2: Work with your faculty advisor to complete the AT Recommendation Form

Meet with your faculty advisor to complete the AT Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. Please provide a copy of your AT offer letter or completed Employment Information Form to your faculty advisor. If you have more than one major, the form should be completed by the faculty advisor from the major that directly relates to the AT opportunity.

Click here for the J-1 AT Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form.

STEP 3 (for Post-Completion AT only): Prepare proof of funding documentation

Students seeking pre-completion AT may skip this step since their funding information has already been verified for the duration of their studies.

OISS is required to verify that you have sufficient funding to cover the estimated living expenses during Post-Completion Academic Training. The required amount will be $2,300/month (+ $500/month if you have a J-2 spouse and $300/month for each J-2 child).

If your AT position is paid, a salary indicated on your employment letter/Employment Information Form is acceptable.

If your AT position is unpaid, please plan to submit proof of funding that is in English, no older than 6 months, and reflects liquid funds. If the funding is not in your own name, please also provide a signed letter of support from your financial sponsor.

STEP 4 (for Post-Completion AT only): Secure proof of health insurance

Students seeking pre-completion AT may skip this step, as they are already included in the Rice health insurance policy.

All J visa holders are required to maintain health insurance for the duration of their program to ensure their valid immigration status.

Minimum requirements for health insurance under J-1 regulations:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 for each accident or illness (a higher benefit is better)
  • Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000, should you need to be sent home on the advice of a doctor
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000, should you die while in the U.S.
  • Minimum 75% coverage for each accident or illness
  • Maximum deductible of $500 per condition per plan year
  • A pre-existing “wait period” limitation of no more than six months
  • The policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of home country government (for those covered by their home country's national insurance plan), or the company providing the insurance must meet minimum rating requirements established by the U.S. government (an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-1" or above, a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above).
  • Policy must be in English
  • All exchange visitors and any accompanying dependents may also be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (22 CFR 62.14(a))

Options to meet the legal requirements for J-1 students on Academic Training

1. ISI International Student Health Insurance ("Select" OR "Elite" options only)
2. Health insurance coverage through your employer (as long as it meets the requirements listed above) + supplemental medical evacuation and repatriation (ME&R) coverage through BETINS

Submit proof of your insurance coverage as part of your AT request. Please note that if you are using insurance through your employer, you must also include the J Exchange Visitor Insurance Verification Form, which has been completed by your insurance company or an employer representative.

STEP 5: Submit your AT request to OISS

Submit your Academic Training request to OISS at least one week before the requested AT start date or the current expiration date of the DS-2019, whichever is earlier, at https://bit.ly/applyAT.

Please note that under no circumstances can you begin employment until you have received your new DS-2019 with the AT authorization.

Maintaining Status During AT

Pre-Completion AT

While on approved pre-completion AT, the standard enrollment and reporting requirements for maintaining J-1 student status still apply; please see https://oiss.rice.edu/maintaining-status for more information.

The AT employment may not delay the completion of your studies.

Any changes to your AT position, including early completion, must be reported to OISS immediately.

A self-evaluation is required at the end of each Academic Training period.

Post-Completion AT

While on approved post-completion AT, you maintain your status by engaging in AT employment.

Post-completion AT employment must be authorized before and must begin within 30 days of the completion of your studies.

Any changes to your AT position, including early completion, must be reported to OISS immediately. If you wish to change positions/employers, the new AT authorization must be processed in advance, and there cannot be a break in employment dates between positions.

You are required to report a change in physical address to OISS within 10 days of a change using our online Change of Address form.

A self-evaluation is required at the end of each Academic Training period.

Submit FINAL SELF-EVALUATION upon completion of the Academic Training period.