Academic Training (AT)
Authorization Process
[J-1 Students ONLY]

Make sure your current DS-2019 has your proper degree and level of study (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate). If it does not, contact us immediately.

Do this step ONLY for students continuing on for the next semester: Review the guidelines your department, co-op coordinator, and major advisor (if a graduate student) have for internships and co-ops.

Doing an internship/co-op before you go back home? Continue to STEP 3.

Letter or Email from employer on letterhead MUST include:

1. Name of Supervisor

2. Employer's Name

3. Employer's Address

4. Number of Hours Per Week

5. Training Begin Date

6. Training End Date

7. Job Duties

Here is an AT Letter Template for employers.

Complete this form: Academic Training Request Form

If you are doing this for credit:

You and the co-op coordinator will get an email from the Ivanhoe International Center. Do the following:

• Make an appointment with your internship coordinator and/or major advisor

• Talk to the internship coordinator and/or major advisor about which Cooperative Education (CP) class you must register for:

  • Part-time (less than 20 hours a week): one credit of Cooperative Education (CP) classes;

  • Full-time (more than 20 hours a week): two (2) credits of Cooperative Education (CP) classes

Cooperative Education classes are required to comply with U.S. Government regulations. The class may or may not count towards your degree requirements. Talk to your advisor about this. Either way, as an international student, you are required to take these.

See this GUIDE to change the credits, if needed.

For students doing credit ONLY

Once you confirm which Cooperative Education (CP) class(es) to take, register for:

• Part-time (less than 20 hours a week): one credit of Cooperative Education (CP) classes;

• Full-time (more than 20 hours a week): two (2) credits of Cooperative Education (CP) classes

See this GUIDE to change the credits, if needed.

Once you have signed up for your cooperative program (CP) credits for the subsequent semester, EMAIL US.

Receive a new DS-2019 with the work authorization dates on page 2. Sign and UPLOAD HERE.

You cannot start working until you have this.

Keep in mind:

• You can only work for the employer on the Academic Training Request form.

• You can only work during the authorized dates on the Academic Training Request form

• Social Security number: If you do not have one, you should apply for one now.

  • Let us know if you have questions.

Make sure you maintain your J-status.

Go to the During and After AT Checklist for more information.