J-1 Students: Academic Training (AT)
Academic Training (AT) is a term used by the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program to describe authorized internships or work experience for students on the J-1 program. Internships must be related to the student’s major and may be paid or unpaid.
Allowable Length of Academic Training (AT)
- Non-degree seeking students: The length of time for which you can apply is equal to the length of your academic placement - up to 4 months for semester students, and up to 9 months for full-year students.
- Degree seeking students: Participants who will graduate with a master's or a bachelor’s degree may work for up to 18 months.
Eligibility Requirements
As an exchange visitor, you are eligible to apply for academic training during your exchange period if all of the following conditions are met:
- You are in good academic standing and maintaining status.
- The academic training is directly related to, and an integral part of, your major field of study at CSU, Chico.
- If you participate in AT following your period of study, and the position is unpaid, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during the period of training.
- Proof of health insurance coverage during the period of AT will be required.
How to Apply for Academic Training (AT)
Step 1
Read AT Guidelines (coming soon).
Step 2
Make an appointment at the Career Center to create a professional U.S.-style resume.
Step 3
Apply for internships on Handshake or through another trusted site.
Step 4
Obtain permission from your major advisor or graduate coordinator on the AT Request Form (coming soon).
Step 5
Submit the AT Request Form to your international student advisor.
Step 6
For paid internships only: Apply for a Social Security Number.