J-1 Academic Training

J-1 Academic Training at UMF

J-1 Academic Training allows eligible students to gain practical experience in their field of study after completing their program at UMF.

J-1 Academic Training provides international students the opportunity to participate in off-campus training directly related to their major. To qualify, students must be in good academic standing, maintain valid J-1 status, and secure a written training offer from an employer. The training must be tied to the student’s academic program, take place with a specific employer or site, and may not exceed the duration of the J-1 program. Academic Training is intended for professional development in a student’s field of study—not for general employment purposes.

Acceptable Employment for J-1 Academic Training

All Academic Training employment must be directly related to a student’s field of study and appropriate to their education level. Acceptable options include full-time or part-time work, paid or unpaid internships, and positions with multiple employers, as long as each is authorized and tied to the student’s degree program. Consecutive employment changes require proper evaluations and new applications, while self-employment is not permitted under Academic Training regulations.

How to Apply for J-1 Academic Training

To apply for Academic Training at UMF, students must first meet with the Assistant Director of Global Education and consult with a faculty advisor about their plan. An official offer letter from the employer is required, outlining details such as the training site, job title, dates, hours, and pay (if applicable). Students must submit the online Academic Training application and upload all required documents—including the employer letter, Declaration of Finances (if extending the program), and faculty authorization form—at least four weeks before the program end date or the training start date. Once reviewed and approved, the Assistant Director will authorize the request in SEVIS and issue an updated DS-2019.

Important Information About J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training is authorized only for the specific employer and dates listed on your DS-2019. Students receiving academic credit must be registered for the corresponding course during their training period. Eligibility is limited by government regulations based on your full-time study period. For paid training, students and employers must complete an I-9 form, show authorization on the DS-2019, and obtain a Social Security Number. Paid positions are subject to federal and state taxes, and students should consult IRS Publication 519 and Publication 901 for guidance.

J-1 Academic Training Completion Evaluation

After finishing Academic Training, submit the AT Evaluation Form to confirm the training met its goals and complies with federal regulations.

J-1 Academic Training Evaluation Peporting Form

Office of Experiential & Global Education
University of Maine at Farmington
106 Fusion Space
117 South Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
Phone: 207-778-7122
exchangeprograms@umf.maine.edu