Students with a J-1 visa who are pursuing a degree are eligible for Academic Training (AT) during or after completion of their studies. The field of work must be directly related to the student’s field of study. In order to apply for AT, students must first complete one full-time academic year.
J visa holders can complete up to 18 months of AT, unless their program is shorter than 18 months, in which case the AT period shortens accordingly. Any amount of pre-completion AT is subtracted from the total allowance of 18 months. Students have 30 days after graduation to apply for AT and they must have a job offer in order to do so.
The AT process is arranged by the student’s visa sponsor. Sometimes, the sponsor is the student’s school or academic institution, and sometimes it’s a third party.