How Do I Apply for AT?

Determine whether you are eligible for AT. If you are unsure whether you are eligible or have questions about the application process, please come to Express Advising.

Meet with your Academic Advisor

• Have your advisor review your offer letter.
• Discuss the employment opportunity including how this experience relates to your academic program and your main goals/objectives of this work experience.
• Your Academic Advisor will need to write you a recommendation letter using our AT Recommendation Letter template.

Submit an Academic Training Request in the ISSS Portal.

PLEASE NOTE: If AT occurs after your program end date, proof of funding and health insurance for you and any dependents for the duration of the training period is required.

• You will upload the recommendation letter from your Academic Advisor to your request.
• Your Academic Advisor will then be notified after you submit your request and will need to submit their approval.
• Once all documentation and your advisor's approval are on file, ISSS will begin processing your request.
• ISSS will issue you a new DS-2019 document and work authorization approval letter.

You will be notified via email when your DS-2019 and authorization letter are ready. You will pick up the physical letter, but your DS-2019 will be delivered digitally and can be downloaded from the Documents section of your ISSS Portal.

Begin work once your start date has been reached. You must be authorized for AT by ISSS before beginning any employment. Working prior to obtaining authorization or before your start date could result in a loss of your J-1 status. Even unpaid work must be authorized.