As a J-1 student, you may be able to receive authorization for certain opportunities—paid or unpaid—in your field of study (for example, internships, practica, or fieldwork).
Academic Training needs to be an integral part of your overall academic goals. It may be done part time or full time, before or immediately after you graduate.
This information is intended for J-1 students on the Indiana University J program. If you are a J-1 student but your DS-2019 is issued by an agency or institution other than Indiana University, you need to contact your program sponsor to gain authorization for Academic Training.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized changes to a new regulation affecting many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. Learn more about changes to Duration of Status
This new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.
If you plan to apply for Academic Training, traveling outside the U.S. after September 15, 2026 will mean that your I-94 will have a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD). Additional steps may be required when you apply for Academic Training in that case. Students who do not travel outside the U.S after September 15, 2026 who are able to file for Academic Training before March 18, 2027 may not be required to take additional steps.
As a reminder, travel is a personal decision and admission to the U.S. is always at the discretion of CBP officials. Find and carefully check your I-94 (and that of any J-2 dependents) each time you travel, and upload in Atlas.
You need to apply for and receive Academic Training authorization before you begin your opportunity. If you have completed a program of study, Academic Training needs to be granted no later than the end of your 30-day grace period.
This means you need to apply for Academic Training authorization at least two weeks before you need to begin, and no later than two weeks after completing your program.
To participate in an opportunity with Academic Training authorization, the opportunity needs to be in your field of study, recommended by your academic advisor, and authorized in writing by the Office of International Services (OIS) before you begin.
To be eligible for authorization, you need to meet the following requirements:
You may apply for Academic Training authorization from OIS via Atlas (if IU issued your DS-2019).
You will be asked to:
Your authorization will take the form of a letter and new DS-2019 authorizing your employment under Academic Training.
Note: The letter and new DS-2019 authorizing you for Academic Training states the specific employer, dates, and location of training. If there are any changes to the training or you wish to work for a new employer, you need to complete the entire application process again, and you need to have the new authorization before beginning the new opportunity.
Report any of the following to OIS within 10 days of the occurrence:
Most J-1 students are eligible for up to 18 months of Academic Training. However, the total Academic Training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in the full course of study. An additional 18 months may be possible for those who pursue and complete a Ph.D. program.
Nondegree students will be eligible for fewer than 18 months of Academic Training. As a nondegree student, you are only eligible to be in J-1 status for a total of 24 months—this includes your period of study and any Academic Training. If you are a nondegree student who has studied for two semesters at IU, you will be eligible for the equivalent of two semesters’ worth of Academic Training authorization.
Academic Training may be taken in one period after completion of your program, or you may divide it by doing some in the summers, some while you are still taking classes and the remainder after graduation. If you obtain permission for six months of Academic Training during or after a bachelor’s degree and continue to study in a master’s program that is 18 months or longer, you will be eligible only for another 12 months of Academic Training in connection with your master’s degree.
Yes. While traveling on Academic Training, you are advised to carry the following:
Traveling while on Academic Training after completion of your program of study can present challenges. If your J-1 visa stamp is expired, OIS recommends that you not travel outside of the United States while you are on Academic Training authorization.
