11/5/2008

Academic Training is work, training, or experience related to a student's field of study. While there are many similarities between employment options available to F-1 students and Academic Training available to J-1 students, they differ in many respects.

Unlike F-1 employment options, Academic Training can only be authorized for work related to one's course of study. Academic Training is permitted at any stage of a student's program, while s/he is enrolled in school or after completion of the program, without authorization from the USCIS. Instead, the J-1 student should be authorized for work by the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) at the school s/he is attending. Students in undergraduate and pre-doctoral programs are permitted an overall limit of 18 months of Academic Training. If the academic program is shorter than that, then the Academic Training would be reduced so that it does not exceed the total length of study. 

For post-doctoral J-1 students, Academic Training is 36 months maximum, inclusive of prior periods of academic training. Again, the total training period may not exceed the period of the full course of study. Another important distinction is that all Academic Training is counted as full time, even if employment is on a part-time basis. Post-completion Academic Training should commence no later than 30 days after completion of the student's studies.

While employment options are one of the most important differences between various student statuses, there are some other considerations that one should take into account when deciding which status to pursue. For example, J-1 status provides for certain non-degree or non-enrolled educational programs that are not easily available to F-1 students. Also, students who are funded totally or for the most part by personal or family funds are ineligible for J-1 status. 

Generally speaking, regulations pertaining to J-1 students do not require applications to the USCIS. J-1 students are required to carry health insurance for themselves and their dependents while there is no such requirement for F-1 students. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for work authorization, while F-2 dependents may not work under any circumstances. 

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind is that individuals in J-1 status are often subject to the two-year home country return requirement. There is no such requirement for F-1 students. This should be fully investigated before accepting J-1 status. One should subject him/herself to the two-year home residency requirement only if s/he is willing and able to make that commitment. While there are sometimes waivers available, it should not be assumed that one will be able to acquire relief from the two-year requirement.

As mentioned above, students in M-1 status are usually those who engage in vocational and nonacademic programs. They may, however, qualify for J-1 trainee status, depending upon their fields and activities that may or may not be connected to a college or university.