Academic Training (AT)

Eligibility 

A J-1 student can participate in AT if they:

• are primarily in the US to study rather than work;
• the training is directly related to the student's major field of study (cannot be self-employed as the job/internship must have an on-site local supervisor in the US);
• are in good academic standing;
• will maintain health insurance coverage while working; and
• have written approval from the student's ISSS advisor for the duration and type of training.

Requirements

• Remote Work
  • The job or internship can be partially remote as long as the J-1 student will not work remotely for more than 40% of their total work hours.
  • For example, if a student works 40 hours per week, then they cannot work remotely for more than 16 hours per week.
• AT Evaluation Requirement
  • Per federal regulations, the "effectiveness and appropriateness" of each academic training opportunity must be evaluated in order to determine if the AT achieved the stated goals and objectives.
  • About 45 days prior to the AT end date, students will receive an email from ISSS directing the student to submit an AT evaluation form in ISSS Link.
  • Students must complete this e-form within ten business days of receiving the email.
• Taxes
  • J-1 students are required to meet US tax filing requirements.
  • If the academic training is a paid opportunity, taxes will be deducted from the student's paycheck.
  • FICA Taxes (Social security and Medicare)
    • J-1 students are not required to pay FICA taxes for their first five years in the US.
      • If these taxes are deducted from a student's paycheck, the student should contact their employer's human resources or payroll department.
    • After five years in the US in J-1 status, the student becomes a resident for tax purposes and has to pay FICA taxes.
    • Students who spend even one day in the US in J-1 status during a particular year will have that year count toward the five-year limit.

1. An offer letter (on the company letterhead) from the employer that includes:
   • The student's legal name
   • Job title
   • Brief description of the goals and objectives of the employment
   • Exact start date and end date for the employment
     • Reminder: If the AT will take place after the student finishes their J-1 program (post-completion AT), the academic training must commence within 30 days of completion of studies.
   • Full physical address of the employment, including zip code
   • Number of hours the student is expected to work per week
   • Name and email address of the supervisor
   • Position's expected salary
   • Signature from proper authority
      
2. J-1 Student AT Employer Confirmation (signed by the prospective employer)
    
3. A recommendation letter from the student's Emory University academic advisor or dean that includes:
   • The goals of the training program
   • Description of the training program, including its location, the name and address of the supervisor, the number of work hours per week, and start and end dates
   • How the training relates to the student's major field of study
   • Why it's an integral part of the student's academic program
      
4. Evidence of continuing health insurance coverage.
    
5. If requesting post-completion AT, evidence of continuing financial support ($2000 for the J-1 plus $625 per J-2 dependent for each month of requested AT):
   • If the position is paid and the salary meets living expenses, the job offer letter will be used as proof financial support. No additional financial documentation is required.
   • If the position is unpaid or the salary is less than the cost of living expenses, students will need to submit additional financial documentation that shows that the student has sufficient financial support.

1. Gather all the required documentation and give a copy of the employment offer letter to the Emory academic advisor or dean so that they can write the recommendation letter.
    
2. Log into ISSS Link and submit the "Academic Training Request" e-form. Students will need to upload copies of the following:
   • Offer letter from the prospective employer (on the company letterhead with a signature from proper authority)
   • J-1 Student AT Employer Confirmation that is signed by the prospective employer
   • Recommendation letter from the Emory academic advisor or dean
   • Proof of health insurance
   • Evidence of financial support
      
3. The student's ISSS advisor will review the request.
   • The request be reviewed within five business days.
   • If the AT is approved, the ISSS advisor will write an authorization letter and create an updated DS-2019.
      
4. Once the student gets their authorization letter and updated DS-2019, they can begin the AT.