J-1 exchange students who are studying in the U.S. through the SUNY Oswego exchange program should be authorized for Academic Training (AT) before they engage in internship opportunities.
Please read the following information carefully to determine your eligibility and required documents to apply for Academic Training.
IMPORTANT: Students must receive written approval noted on their DS-2019 in advance for the duration and type of Academic Training before they start working. Working without Academic Training authorization noted on your Form DS-2019 is considered unauthorized employment, which will result in the immediate termination of your Form DS-2019 as well as long term negative consequences on your ability to be considered for future immigration benefits.
1. Check your eligibility
Exchange students who would like to find internship positions must meet all the requirements below. Related immigration regulations can be found below as well.
- The student has already completed one semester at Oswego.
- The student is primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training
- Students need to be enrolled in a full course of study (12 credits for UG and 9 credits for GR) and students cannot engage in employment after the program end date;
- The Academic Training is directly related to his or her major field of study which is listed on his or her Form DS-2019;
- The student is in good academic standing;
To learn more about each eligibility, click the regulations below.
- 22 CFR 62.23(F)(1) Purpose. The primary purpose of academic training is to permit a student, other than a student intern described in paragraph (i) of this section, to participate in an academic training program during his or her studies, without wages or remuneration, with the approval of the academic dean or advisor and the responsible officer.
- 22 CFR 62.23(F)(2)(i) Conditions. A student, other than a student intern described in paragraph (i) of this section, may be authorized to participate in an academic training program for wages or other remuneration:(i) During his or her studies;
- 22 CFR 62.23(F)(3) Criteria.(i) The student is primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training;(ii) The student is participating in academic training that is directly related to his or her major field of study at the post-secondary accredited academic institution listed on his or her Form DS-2019;(iii) The student is in good academic standing with the post-secondary accredited academic institution; and
- 22 CFR 62.23(F)(3)(iv) The student receives written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training.
2. Academic Training Application
Students who meet all the eligibility above can complete the below application.
Students should complete parts 1 and 2 of page 1. Then, please submit the form to isss@oswego.edu for review. The ISSS will complete part 3 of page 2.
Note that it takes the ISSS Office 5-7 business days to review a training experience for Academic Training authorization, so please plan accordingly.
Upon approval, students will be issued new DS-2019s and AT recommendation letter by the ISSS office.