Employment Authorization for J2 dependent visa holder

In this section we will discuss the Academic Training (AT)

Definition

Eligibility

Restriction

Pre-completion AT v. Post-completion AT

How to obtain an Academic Training (AT)?

Tax and SSN

Travel

Definition

Academic Training (AT) is an employment authorization available for J1 visa holder, provided that the employment is integral to the applicant’s field of study. It can be obtain before the completion of your study or after the completion of your study.

The limit of Academic Training for pre-completion AT is 18 months or the time you have been a full time student, whichever shorter. The limit of post-completion AT is 18 months or the time you were a full time student, whichever shorter. If you are in a PhD program, upon graduation you may get up to 36 months AT if (post-doctoral training) if your academic advisor supervise your training.

Since you are a J1 visa holder, before you apply for an AT you need to get an approval from your Responsible Officer (RO), who issues your DS-2019 form and most likely is a representative from your sponsor (financial aid provider).

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Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for an AT if:

• You maintain your valid J-1 status (e.g. currently enroll as a full-time student)

• You perform well academically

• Your DS-2019 is still valid

• You intend to work in a field that is in accordance with your field of study (and degree)

• You must have an employment offer letter before completion of your study

• You have the approval from your Responsible Officer (RO) in writing

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Restriction

• Non-degree student may not be eligible for AT. If you enroll as a non-degree student, please check with you RO if you are eligible for an Academic Training

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Pre-completion AT v. Post-completion AT

Pre-completion AT

• Under the pre-completion AT, during the regular semester you can only work part time (up to 20 hours per week). During the school vacation, you are allowed to work part time or full time (up to 40 hours per week).

• Even if you work part-time during the regular semester, it will be counted as full time to determine the remaining AT time that you have (unlike the case of OPT for F1 visa holder).

• You should apply for an AT at least 10 days before the anticipated starting work date

Post-completion AT

• Under the post-completion AT you may work part-time or full-time.

• You can start applying for your AT 60 days before the completion of your study. You cannot apply for an AT within the 30-days grace period after the completion of your study.

• For the post-doctoral training, your 36 month will be partitioned into two 18-months AT, you should apply and get an approval for the second 18-months before the first 18-months expires.

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How to Obtain an Academic Training?

Submit the following documents to the issuer of your DS-2019 (which can be your International Student Office):

If your application is approved, they will give you a letter of permission to work, which you can show your employer, and renew your DS-2019.

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Tax and SSN

As an international student you are not eligible for social security benefits. Therefore, you are not required to deduct the social security tax (FICA) from your paycheck while you are working under OPT. However, you should pay the Federal tax, State tax, and City tax. In order to do so, you need to have a Social Security Number.

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Travel

In the middle of your AT, you are eligible to travel out of the US given that you have:

However, you are traveled at your own risk, which means, there is no guarantee that you will be able to re-enter the US.

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