INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS &
SCHOLARS OFFICE
Academic Training for J-1 Students
Note: This application is intended for those in J1 student status under Clarkson University – if your DS2019 has been issued by another agency or institution – please consult your program sponsor to gain
the necessary authorization for Academic Training
What is Academic Training?
Academic Training is authorization to engage in employment within your field of study that will apply
knowledge and skills learned during your time at Clarkson University.
Who can receive Academic Training?
All students enrolled at Clarkson University under the J1 student visa category may apply for
academic training either during the course of study or after completion of studies
Who approves Academic Training?
Academic training will be ‘approved’ by the International Students & Scholars Office at Clarkson
University. Before you can begin any form of training you must obtain ‘written approval’ from the
ISSO. For those sponsored by another agency or institution – you must consult with your program
sponsor to obtain written approval.
What are the criteria for Academic Training?
 You must be in good academic standing at Clarkson University
 The intended training must be directly related to your major field of study
 Throughout approved academic training – you must maintain valid J1 student status and
update the ISSO with any changes to your address and/or extensions to your stay
 You must maintain health insurance coverage during the entire period of your exchange –
including academic training
How much Academic Training can I be authorized for?
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You will be authorized to participate in academic training for the length of time necessary to
complete the goals and objectives of the training, provided the time period you have
requested is approved by your academic advisor and the ISSO.
o This time period may not exceed the amount of time it took for you to complete your
full course of study or 18 months, whichever is shorter. However – if you receive a
PhD, you may be authorized for training for as long as 36 months, provided you have
a postdoctoral research position.
Other notes to consider:
o Part-time or full-time employment for ‘academic training’ will count the same against
the 18 or 36 month time limit. Note: students in non-degree programs may have
authorization from 16 – 32 weeks only.
o You only have one opportunity for academic training – regardless of how many
degrees you receive.
o Any training authorized prior to completion of studies will be deducted from the 18 or
36 month time period.
Clarkson University • PO Box 5651 • 229 Price Hall (Thomas Entrance) • Potsdam, NY 13699-5651
Phone : 315-268-7970 • Fax : 315-268-7882 • tcasler@clarkson.edu • www.clarkson.edu/isso
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS &
SCHOLARS OFFICE
What is required to apply for Academic Training?
To apply for Academic Training, please submit the following to the ISSO, 229 Price Hall (Thomas
Entrance) prior to the program end date on your DS-2019. Important note: your employment
must begin no more than 30 days after you complete your program.
1. An offer letter from your prospective employer on their official letterhead which includes:
 Brief description of duties to be performed (goals and objectives)
 Exact starting and ending dates of your employment and location
 Number of hours per week and salary
 Supervisor’s name, title, address and phone number
2. Academic Advisors recommendation – be sure to give a copy of your employer’s letter to
your advisor for use in completing their recommendation.
3. Bring your job offer letter and the academic advisor’s recommendation form to the ISSO.
Your training will be reviewed in accordance with regulation and if approved you will receive
written documentation authorizing the academic training and an amended DS-2019 indicating
‘Academic Training’.
4. Special Note for Students here on the Exchange Program through the International
Education Office at Clarkson University – in additional to the items listed above – you must
also provide a letter from your home institution and the International Education Office
approving the employment experience.
Important Notes and Reminders:
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Complete any Employment Eligibility Verification procedures with your employer when
you begin work.
If not previously done – you will need to apply for a social security number to receive any
wages.
Taxes:
o In general – you will be exempt from any social security taxes – however – unless
there is a tax treaty between the United States and your home government – you will
be subject to any applicable federal, state and local taxes. Employers are required by
law to withhold those taxes. By April 15 of each year you will file a federal tax return
covering the prior calendar year to determine if you owe more taxes or qualify for a
refund of overpayment in taxes.
Never work withour PRIOR authorization! Remember to always receive authorization
prior to any employment (paid or unpaid) as employment without authorization is a
serious status violation.
Always update the ISSO with any changes to your address and be sure to maintain health
insurance coverage.
Clarkson University • PO Box 5651 • 229 Price Hall (Thomas Entrance) • Potsdam, NY 13699-5651
Phone : 315-268-7970 • Fax : 315-268-7882 • tcasler@clarkson.edu • www.clarkson.edu/isso