Student Visa Types
Once accepted to the university, students are issued either an I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility. These documents are necessary when applying at an American consulate or embassy for an F-1 (I-20) or J-1 (DS-2019) non-immigrant visa.
The primary differences in visas are:
Funding
- J-1 students must be supported substantially by funding from any source other than person or family funds, unless the exchange program is carried out pursuant to a written agreement between an American and foreign education institution or government.
- J-1 students must be able demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the entire duration of their program of study.
- F-1 students have no restrictions on the sources of funding.
- F-1 students have to demonstrate only the first year of funding, with the continued ability to access adequate funding after the first year.
Academic Issues
- J-1 students are allowed to change to higher degree, but cannot move from one degree level to a lower degree or from non-degree to degree student. They must also remain in the same field of study as listed on the DS-2019 used for entry to the US.
- F-1 students have no restrictions on either changing degrees or fields of study.
Employment
- J-1 students must have the authorization of their Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for all employment.
- F-1 students do not need the authorization of their Designated School Official (DSO) for on-campus employment. For other types of employment, they must have either the authorization of their DSO or must apply to the US Citizenship & Immigration Services.
The Grace Period After Study is Completed
- J-1 students have 30 days.
- F-1 students have 60 days.
Dependents
- J-2 dependents can apply for work authorization and can pursue a degree.
- F-1 dependents can neither work nor pursue a degree.
The Two-Year Home Country Residency Requirement
- Certain J-1 students are subject to the Two-Year Home Country Residency Requirement.
- F-1 students are not subject to this requirement.