Depending on their individual program and program sponsor, J-1 international students
may be eligible for Academic Training (AT) directly related to the student’s field
of study at UNC or at their home institution. J-1 students can do AT either before
or after program completion -- as long as the request for Academic Training is submitted
in time to be approved before their DS-2019 expires. It requires the support of the
academic advisor, Dean or director, who must complete a recommendation form for the
student as well as an evaluation after AT is completed. Academic Training can be
either paid or unpaid, on- or off-campus, depending on the opportunity.
- Eligibility
- You must be maintaining valid J-1 status on UNC's DS-2019
- You must be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing
- You must find an AT experience that is directly related to the major listed on your
DS-2019 (or for dual degree students, your major at your home country institution);
UNC is required to determine that the opportunity aligns with Department of State guidance directives on avoiding unskilled placement for Academic
Training
- AT must be approved before the end date on your DS-2019
- Limitations
- Bachelor’s and Master’s student may be authorized for up to 18 months of AT -- but
no more than the time you spent enrolled in a full course of study (so a one year's
Master's program student may only receive 9 months of AT)
- Doctoral students doing AT during their program can be authorized for up to 18 months
of AT before to completing the program
- Doctoral students who complete program can be authorized for up to 36 months for a
postdoctoral position (provided they have not engaged in any previous AT)
- Students in a Exchange or non-degree program may be authorized for AT that does not
exceed the amount of time they spent enrolled in a full course of study (a one semester
exchange student is allowed only 4 months of AT)
- Academic Training can be either full-time when classes are not in session (or if the
program requires it) or part-time, but full and part time AT authorizations count
equally towards the limit
- Maintaining Status During AT
- You are still a J-1 "student" during Academic Training, even if you participate after
course/degree completion
- As during your academic program, you must report any changes to your physical address,
phone, contact information, or name to the to ISSS within 10 days of any changes
- During pre-completion AT, updates should be submitted through Ursa
- During post-completion Academic Training, changes can be reported through UNC Global
- Completing an evaluation at the end of AT is required
- Students participating in AT are still Exchange Visitors in the U.S. and expected
to continue to engage in and report on cross-cultural activities and programs during
the period of authorized AT
- Students participating in Academic Training and their dependents must continue to
carry health insurance that complies with Department of State and UNC International
Student Insurance requirements. J-1 visitors who do not maintain valid health insurance
must have their programs terminated by UNC
- Related Resources
