J-1 Off-Campus Employment

1. Completion of at least one semester of academic studies.
2. A job offer must be secured before completion of the student’s program as listed on the form DS-2019.
3. Application for Academic Training must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the completion of the student’s program as listed on the form DS-2019 to the International Programs office.
4. Must be in good academic standing at CSU Monterey Bay. Students on academic probation will not be authorized for Academic Training.
5. Must be an integral or critical part of the academic program of the student.

To accommodate post-completion academic training, your application for Academic Training needs to be submitted to the International Programs office at least 2 weeks before your program end date.

You must receive written authorization from a Responsible or Alternate Responsible Officer at the International Programs office before commencing employment.

To apply for Academic Training you will need to complete the following steps:

• Secure an internship position/job before the completion date on your DS-2019. For assistance, go to the Center for Advising, Career and Student Success in the Library or check the listings on Otter Jobs.
• Complete the J-1 Academic Training Application Form and submit to the International Programs office.
• Obtain your Academic Advisor's approval on the Academic Training Application Form and a letter of recommendation detailing the following:
  
  • The goals and objectives of the specific academic training program;
  • Why it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the student;
  • How the academic training relates to the student's major field of study; and
  • A description of the academic training program, including its location, the name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training.
• Include letter of job offer from employer detailing the following information:
  • Employer Name
  • Job Title
  • The goals and objectives of the specific academic training program;
  • A description of the academic training program, including its location, the name and contact information of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training; and
  • How the academic training relates to the student's major field of study.
• Include proof of health insurance. Health insurance should include evacuation and repatriation that covers the entire Academic Training period.
• Include proof of adequate funds (i.e., bank statements) to cover living expenses ($2,250/month).
• Once approved, pick up your Academic Training Approval (and DS-2019 extension if needed) letter from the Office of International Programs.
• Start working!

If you, your prospective employer, or your academic advisors have any questions or concerns, please contact the International Programs office at 831-582-4778 or by email at international@csumb.edu

• Authorization for full-time employment will not be approved at times when school is in session and the student is taking a full course load.
• Academic Training must commence no later than 30 days after completion of course of study.
• Students may be authorized for Academic Training only up to the number of months the student has been in full course of study at CSU Monterey Bay. The maximum duration of stay for J-1 exchange students is 24 months, including time taking academic coursework and academic training.
  • Example 1: A student studying for one semester (totaling 4 months) will only be authorized for 4 months of Academic Training.
  • Example 2: A student studying for 18 months will only be authorized for 6 months of post completion Academic Training.
• All forms of Academic Training, both part- and full- time, are counted as full time towards the allowable time period for Academic Training.
• Although you may engage in paid or unpaid internships, students who wish to participate in an unpaid internship after the completion of his/her course of study must provide proof of adequate funds (i.e., bank statements) to cover living expenses ($2,250/month).
• Unemployment for students with Post-completion Academic Training authorization is not allowed. If termination of employment is necessary, consult with an ARO at the International Programs office (before the employment termination date) to determine the best way to maintain legal status in the U.S.
• In general, students are allowed a 30-day grace period from the last date of employment or the end of the Academic Training authorization period (whichever comes first), to depart the U.S., change status, or transfer the DS-2019 to a new program of study.

Updating your personal information

The following information must be reported to the International Programs office during the post-completion Academic Training period:

• Your residential address
• Your phone and email address
• If ending Academic Training early: Date of exiting the U.S.
  • You must provide date of exit if you decide to exit the U.S and complete your Academic Training status prior to the end date of your Academic Training
• If your visa status changes while on Academic Training

You are required to update this information within 10 days of any changes.

Changing Employers

If employment is terminated and a job offer is accepted elsewhere in the U.S., the new job must still be related to the field of study. In this case, it is required for the student to obtain a new Academic Training authorization before beginning work at the new job.

Application instructions are exactly the same as when the student originally applied for the initial Academic Training work authorization.

Note: There cannot be a gap in employment dates.

J-1 students may begin a full-time program of study while on Academic Training. However, students who wish to stop working or need to extend/continue their student status in order to start a new program should consider the following steps before the end date of their Academic Training according to their situation.

Returning to the same school

Students who wish to return to the school that recommended their Academic Training will need to request a new DS-2019 for a "change of level." Please contact the International Programs office to speak with an ARO for information about this process.

Changing to a different visa status

Students who want to change their visa status (to an F-1 student visa or other) should speak with an ARO at the CSUMB International Programs office. This may require traveling out of the U.S. or a lengthy application process. Students are encouraged to plan well in advance.

Travel and Re-entry to U.S. during Academic Training

Readmission to the U.S. as a J-1 student on Academic Training is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol officer at the U.S. port of entry.

In general, a J-1 student on Academic Training who travels outside the U.S. temporarily (i.e., less than 5 months) can be readmitted to resume employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her work permit issued by the CSUMB International Programs office, provided the student presents the following:

• A valid passport with valid J-1 visa stamp the day of entry
• Form DS-2019, endorsed by CSUMB International Programs office within the preceding 6 months
• Proof of employment (or employment offer), usually in the form of a letter from your employer on official letterhead.

Getting a J-1 Visa on Academic Training

If you are traveling abroad and the J-1 visa in your passport has expired, you must obtain a new one before re-entering the U.S.

Students who need to apply for a new visa should consult the International Programs office prior to travel to discuss the visa application process and possible risks. General information may be found on the consulate websites.

Change of programs and your visa

If you are planning to transfer to a new school or program after completing your Academic Training, you must obtain a visa with the name of your new school noted on it before entering or re-entering the U.S. even if your J-1 visa has not yet expired.

You will need the DS-2019 from your new school in order to apply for the new visa.