What do J-1 students need to know about applying to a US college or university?
J-1 students must keep in mind that their J-1 exchange student visa is valid for only the time in which they are participating in the exchange program (no more than one year). They can not continue on to US postsecondary study with this visa. Some J-1 students are subject to what’s known as 212(e), or the two year home residency requirement (it will most likely be notated on their visa). This does not mean that they must return home for two years before returning to study in the US. It does mean, however, that they cannot change to F-1 student status while in the US. They will have to depart the US when their J-1 exchange program is over, return to their home country, and apply for an F-1 visa there. (Most students will do this over their summer break). If a J-1 student is not subject to 212(e), they can apply for a change to F-1 student status while still in the US. The international student office at the student’s future college or university should be able to aid the student in this
