A student may be authorized to engage in academic training during his/her studies, or commencing not later than thirty (30) days after completion of studies. As long as the student stays within the stipulated time limits, this program permits part-time training while school is in session and full-time training during vacation periods and after completion of course work – while the student is completing a thesis or dissertation.

REQUIREMENTS

The student must be primarily in the U.S. to study rather than to engage in Academic Training and be participating in academic training that is directly related to his or her major field of study. The student must also be in good academic standing and receive written approval in advance from the Responsible Office (usually your International Student Advisor) for the duration and type of Academic Training. Health insurance coverage is required throughout the training.

PROCEDURES

1. The student must provide a letter of approval from their academic dean or advisor setting forth the following:
a) The goals and objectives of the specific training program;

b) A description of the training program, including its location, the name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training;

c) How the training relates to the student’s major field of study; and

d) Why it is an integral or critical part of the student’s academic program.

2. The International Student Advisor and/or Responsible Officer will then review the request and the letter and grant permission to do Academic Training if the criteria and time limitations set forth in 22CFR 1514.23(f)(3) and (4), as summarized herein, are satisfied.

If a student will be doing academic training after graduating, he/she must secure an offer of employment within thirty days of the date of completion of studies.

TIME LIMITATIONS

The exchange visitor is authorized to participate in academic training for the length of time necessary to complete the goals and objectives of the training, provided the training:

1. Is approved by the academic dean or advisor and then by the Responsible Officer;
2. For undergraduate and pre-doctoral training, does not exceed eighteen (18) months, inclusive of any prior academic training in the United States, or the period of full course of study in the United States, whichever is less; except, additional time for academic training is allowed to the extent necessary for the exchange visitor to satisfy the mandatory requirements of his or her degree program in the United States;
3. For post-doctoral training, does not exceed a total of thirty-six (36) months, inclusive of any prior academic training, or the period of the full course of study, whichever is less. A new Form IAP-66 shall be issued for each eighteen (18) month period.
4. Part-time employment for “Academic Training” counts against the 18 or 36 month limit the same as full-time employment.

Social Security and Other Taxes
In general, as a J-1 student you will be exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) taxes for your first five years in the United States as long as you continue to declare non-resident status for tax purposes (see Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, “U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.”)

Unless you qualify under a tax treaty between the United States and your home government, your earnings as a J-1 student will be subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes; and employers are required by law to withhold those taxes from your paychecks. By 15 April of each year you must file a federal income tax return and a “required statement” covering the prior calendar year to determine whether you owe more taxes or have a refund coming.

A NOTE OF CAUTION!
Employment without proper authorization is a serious violation of your status. Remember that before you start any kind of employment, you must first consult your J-1 Responsible Officer (International Student Advisor), whose written approval is necessary in advance.