Contact Us
214 MacMillan Hall
531 E Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-8600
513-529-8608 (fax)
International@MiamiOH.edu
Meet the ISSS Staff
Additionally, ISSS staff is available for scheduled appointments and drop-ins.
Academic Training
When to apply
Students can apply for academic training before the completion of their program, but they must maintain normal academic progress while participating in academic training. A completed academic training request must be submitted no less than two weeks prior to the employment start date.
Students can also apply for academic training to begin after the end of their academic program, but they must submit a complete academic training request no less than two weeks prior to the program completion date. Students must start post-completion employment within the 30 day grace period following program completion.
How to apply
- Students should meet with an ISSS advisor and their academic advisor to discuss their plans to apply for academic training.
- Login to your InterLink account using your unique ID and password. Go to “J-1 Student Services” and complete the e-form request “Academic Training Request.” Please note your academic advisor will also need to comment on your e-form request.
Documents required to apply for academic training
- Employment offer letter. Your employment offer letter must be printed on company letterhead and must include the following:
- Your start date and end date
- The number of hours a week that you will be working-- it is not sufficient to say “part-time” or “full-time”
- The physical location (street address, city, state, and ZIP code) where the job will be conducted – P.O. Boxes are not acceptable
- Job title and description
- Financial documentation covering necessary expenses for the duration of the academic training period.
- The bank statement or certificate of deposit should be issued recently, in English or translated to English, and clearly indicate the minimum balance and owner of account. Funding does NOT need to be in U.S. dollars. ISSS can convert currency.
- You will need to show a minimum funding amount of approximately $1,306 per month of the training period (amounts are subject to change).
- Confirmation of health insurance throughout the period of academic training
- Students in J-1 status are required to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their time in the U.S.
Travel during Academic Training
You should be eligible to depart from and return to the U.S. after a brief absence during academic training as long as you have the documentation relevant for travel in your situation.
- If traveling outside of the U.S. during pre-completion academic training (before your program completion) you must have the following documents to re-enter the United States:
- Passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your re-entry)
- Signed DS-2019 (signature given within the past year)
- Valid J-1 Visa Stamp when you return to the U.S.
- Job offer Letter (optional)
- If traveling outside of the U.S. during post-completion academic training (after the completion date on your DS-2019) You must be approved for academic training prior to departing the U.S. and you must begin working within 30 days of the program completion date. Additionally, you must have the following documents to re-enter the United States:
- Passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your re-entry)
- Signed DS-2019 (signature given within the past year)
- Valid J-1 Visa Stamp when you return to the U.S.
- Job offer Letter (optional)
Note: Students who depart the U.S. after the end date on form DS-2019 without prior approval for post-completion academic training will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S. in J-1 status and will not be eligible for academic training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you complete the e-form request, your academic advisor will need to review it. Your advisor will receive an e-mail message from ISSS which will provide a link to review your request and add comments. After your advisor comments on your e-form request, ISSS will evaluate your request. You will be contacted by e-mail after your request is processed. If you are eligible for academic training, ISSS will process your authorization and print a new DS-2019. Your new DS-2019 will automatically include a travel signature from ISSS.
You cannot begin academic training until you have been approved for the training experience and the academic training start date on your DS-2019 has arrived.
Employment during academic training can be paid or unpaid. Volunteer or unpaid internships are okay as long as position does not violate labor laws and is directly related to your program.
You must update ISSS regarding any changes to your physical address or personal information during the academic training period. You should contact ISSS to provide an update within 10 days of the change. After you have finished your academic training experience, you will need to complete an evaluation of your experience.
Post-completion academic training is a continuation of your J-1 status. Though you are no longer a student, you will still be in J-1 legal status.
In the event that you choose to end your academic training experience and depart the U.S., you must notify ISSS within 10 days of the change. You must also complete the academic training evaluation form.
You will have a 30 day grace period to remain in the U.S. after the completion of academic training.
International Students and Scholars
ISSS Requests
International students and scholars can submit a variety of requests to ISSS via InterLink.
Campus Community
Campus Community allows to students to find each other based shared country, interests, or other information, ask questions or share info in the forums, learn about upcoming events, and more!
Sign-Up for Email Updates
International students and scholars will automatically receive communications from ISSS. Others are welcome to sign up to receive emails and communications from our office.
