A Division of the International Studies Office
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CPT NOTICE
Effective immediately, UVA is suspending the authorization of non-required, course-credit CPT requests. This includes opportunities tied to academic credit, which are integral to the program of study but not required for degree completion. Visit CPT Update | International Students & Scholars Program for the latest information.
Duration of Status & Academic Mobility
On September 14, 2026, a nationwide preliminary injunction was issued, which blocks the Elimination of Duration of Status rule from taking effect and prohibits DHS and USCIS from implementing it. The government is expected to appeal the injunction. Please continue to monitor our FAQ page, which we will continue to update with any developments as the case continues.
The Department of Homeland Security's rule introduces significant changes to regulations governing F and J visa holders, including:
- The elimination of Duration of Status
- Restrictions on academic mobility
For more information visit FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status & Academic Mobility | International Students & Scholars Program
J-1 Academic Training
Academic Training allows students on a J-1 visa to accept an internship or employment that is directly related to their area of study.
Can be paid or unpaid
Must be directly related to your major field of study
Can be during your degree program or after completing studies
At least 60 percent of your work must be in person; fully remote positions are not permitted by J-1 visa regulations
Eligibility
Be in good academic standing and maintaining status
Have a job or internship offer in writing
Apply and be approved before the program end date on your DS-2019
Continue to maintain health insurance that meets the requirements set by the Department of State for the duration of your AT.
Duration
Your Academic Training cannot be longer than your academic program. For non-degree and pre-doctoral degrees, AT is approved for 18 months or the amount of time it took you to complete your full course of study, whichever is less.
If you complete a doctorate, you are eligible for up to 36 months.
If you have completed any prior Academic Training, even at a different degree level, that will be deducted from your overall duration. For example, if you completed 18 months of AT after a bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible for any AT after a master’s degree. If you did not do any AT after undergraduate studies and then completed 18 months of AT after a master’s degree, you are only eligible for 18 months of AT after finishing a doctoral degree.
Exchange students
Academic training must be directly related to your major field of study at your home institution (not the field of study on your DS-2019)
Your AT will be authorized for the same number of days you were enrolled as a student at UVA
You must submit a letter from your home university stating that the Academic Training is an integral or critical part of your academic studies, and how it is related to your area of study
No remote work is permitted (including positions at your home university or in your home country)
How to apply
- Receive a job offer in writing
- Complete the "Student Academic Training" request in the ISSP Connect portal
Evaluation
Per J-1 regulations, you must submit an evaluation of your Academic Training at the end of your internship/employment, including if you switch employers or hold more than one position. You can complete this evaluation in the ISSP Connect portal.
J-1 students whose DS-2019 was not issued by UVA should contact your program sponsor for more information.