Most international students in the United States come in F-1 status; most of the rest come in J-1 status.
To be eligible for the J-1 student visa, the student must be financially supported by a scholarship, fellowship, a teaching or research assistantship, home government, the United States Government, the government or an international organization. The students funded by personal and family funds are not eligible for J-1 visa.
There are some major differences between F-1 and J-1 visas. The following are some of the highlights.
F-1 | J-1 | |
Source of Funding | Substantial financial support from private sources | Substantial financial support from other sources other than personal or private |
212(e) - Two-year Home Residence Requirement | Not subject to the two-year home resident requirement | Some students may be subject to 212(e), "two-year home resident requirement" |
On-Campus Employment | May employed part-time (20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks | May be employed part-time (20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks with ISSO written approval |
Off-Campus Employment | Eligible for 12 months Optional Practical Training during/after program of study in field related to major. No job offer is required when applying
May be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (part-time during school/full-time during breaks) if approved by Academic Advisor. |
Eligible for 18 to 36 months Academic Training post-completion. Must have a job offer in hand before graduation to apply |
Dependent | Cannot engage in employment or study | May apply for employment authorization or study part-time or full-time as a student |