Some students ask about the possibility of getting J-1 student status. What is the difference between F-1 and J-1 student status?
Both F-1 and J-1 visa status permit an individual to enter and remain in the U.S. for the duration of his or her full-time academic program. There are slight differences in the employment options available to students in the two visa statuses. F-1 and J-1 visa status both permit on-campus employment, but restrict off-campus employment. Both visa status allow for practical training employment during and after completion of studies (12 months for F-1 and 18 months for J-1.) Spouses and dependents of F-1 visa holders (F-2) are not permitted to work; those of J-1 visa holders (J-2) are with permission from the INS. Unlike the F-1 visa, the J-1 visa often carries with it an inescapable condition that requires the student to return to his or her home country for two years upon completion of studies before being eligible for certain other temporary and permanent U.S. visas. This two-year home country residence requirement applies if the student receives any financial assistance from the home
Related Questions
- I am in the US in another nonimmigrant status than F-1 or J-1 student but have been accepted to study full-time at the University of Pennsylvania. What do I need to do?
- I have a pending application with USCIS to change my immigration status to F-1 or J-1 student status. What special procedures should I follow?
- What is the difference between an F-1 student and a J-1 student?
