J-1 Academic Training Application Guide
Students applying for J-1 Academic Training (AT) may use this guide when preparing their AT applications. This guide is for J-1 students who were issued a Brandeis University DS-2019.
If Brandeis did not issue your DS-2019, you will need to obtain AT work authorization from your visa sponsor. Please note that some sponsoring agencies restrict or do not allow Academic Training.
Please note: You must not begin working until you have received the updated DS-2019 from the ISSO with the AT authorization listed on page 1. As a reminder, working without AT authorization is a violation of J-1 status.
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You must obtain a signed and dated offer letter (pdf) that contains the following elements:
- Employer name (offer letter must be on company letterhead)
- Job title
- Physical address of the work location (street, city, state, and zip code)
- Employment start and end dates
- Number of hours you will work per week
- Name and address of your direct supervisor
- List of job responsibilities
- Salary or proof of funds that evidence the ability to support yourself on Post-completion AT (A minimum of $3,381 per month, plus $800 per month per dependent) for the duration of the job/internship/practicum
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Log in to the ISSO Portal with your Brandeis credentials.
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Click on the Requests & Documents tab, then select the “Student Academic Training” request.
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Complete the AT request form, including the questionnaires, file uploads, electronic signature documents, and Academic Advisor Approval section. You will need to provide specific comments as to how the work opportunity relates to and will benefit your major field of study.
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Click “Submit” (not “Save”) to submit the AT request.
An ISSO advisor will then determine if your request complies with immigration regulations related to AT. If the ISSO advisor approves your AT application, the details of your AT employment will be submitted to SEVIS and a new DS-2019 with the AT authorization and a letter to your AT employer will be issued to you within 7 business days.
Note: If the AT starts within 30 days of the program end date, you will be granted your AT authorization (i.e., 9 months) from the first day of the employment opportunity.
Please feel free to contact the ISSO with any questions concerning your AT Application by emailing isso@brandeis.edu.
Note: You may not begin your AT employment until you have received your DS-2019 with AT authorization and the authorization period begins.