Eligibility

• J-1 students in good academic standing may be authorized to be employed, for a period of up to 18 months, for academic training directly related to their field of study during or after their academic studies.
• Post-doctoral students may participate in an additional 18 months of post-doctoral research up to a total of 36 months.
• The total training period is inclusive of any prior academic training in the United States as an exchange visitor, and may not exceed the period of the full course of study in the United States.
• J-1 academic training is approved for a specific job. If the academic training is after completion of studies, a J-1 student must have a job offer and submit the application to SISS within 30 days of graduation.
• During the authorized academic training period, a J-1 student is required by the U.S. Department of State to have continued adequate health insurance in effect, which covers sickness or accidents in order to maintain the J-1 status.

Procedures

• Obtain an offer letter from the employer with anticipated starting date and salary information.
• Request a letter of recommendation from your department chair, major professor or academic advisor that includes the following:
  • The goals and objectives of the specific training program, and an evaluation of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the program in achieving the stated goals and objectives.
  • A description of the training program, including its location, the name and address of the employer and training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training.
  • How the training relates to the student's major field of study.
  • Why it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the exchange visitor student.
  • The beginning and completion or the expected completion date of the academic program.
• Complete a J-1 Student Employment Approval form (available at SISS).
• When the above documents are ready, make an appointment with the International Student Advisor who will authorize the academic training in writing if the application is appropriate. Academic training authorizations are employer specific. Please contact SISS prior to any change of employer.

Please note that J-1 students who are not sponsored by the University of California, Davis (UCD) need to contact their program sponsor for any employment authorization requests.