F-1 Vs J-1 Status - What I have to Choose?

 F-1 Vs J-1 Status - What I have to Choose?

As you fill out our paperwork for your student visa, you are asked to choose between the two student statuses available: F-1 and J-1. All students are eligible for F-1 status, and it is the more common type. However, if you are an exchange student or if you have a scholarship, grant or other award that pays for at least half of your tuition cost, you can also qualify for J-1 status sponsored by the corresponding University.

Both of these statuses will allow you to study here, and both allow for on-campus and some off-campus work authorization. There are a few important differences between the two statuses, however, so please read the following information carefully to choose a status.

Eligibility

All students are eligible for an F-1 visa, as long as they have been admitted to a full-time program of study, meet the English language requirement, and can show proof of funding for at least the first year of study.

If you meet the criteria for an F-1 visa but also have a scholarship, grant or other award for your first year of study from an outside source (this does not include family, friends or personal funds) that is equal to at least half of your tuition charge for the first year of study, you can also qualify for a J-1 student visa. Exchange students, regardless of funding, also qualify for J-1 student visas.

Comparing F-1 and J-1

F-1	J-1
Enter 30 days before program start date	Enter 30 days before program start date
60 day grace period to depart U.S. or change status at end of program	30 day grace period to depart U.S. or change status at end of program
Immediately eligible for up to 20 hours/week of on-campus work authorization; unlimited on-campus work authorization on breaks while remaining in F-1 status	Immediately eligible for up to 20 hours/week of on-campus work authorization; unlimited on-campus work authorization on breaks while remaining in J-1 status
Spouses in F-2 status cannot study or work	Spouses in J-2 status can study, and are also eligible for work authorization with application to immigration service
No home residency requirement, which may be an issue for J-1	May be subject to 2 year home residency requirement if receiving government funding or if you are from a country on the skills list
Main types of off-campus work authorization:  1) Optional Practical Training (OPT). Eligible after completion of one year of study for up to 12 months per educational level of full-time off-campus work authorization related to program of study. Can be used either during or after program of study. Requires application to immigration service; processing takes 3-4 months and requires a fee. Exchange students not eligible. Does not require a job offer, so you can use it after graduation to look for a job. 2) Curricular Practical Training: used by Booth and College Metcalf Fellows most commonly; also available in other units. Used in the summer or part time during the school year after completion of one year of study and while you remain a student.	Main type of off-campus work authorization: Academic Training (AT). Eligible for off-campus work authorization related to program of study up to 18 months for bachelors and masters students or length of academic program whichever is shorter, up to 3 years for doctoral students. Exchange students can be eligible for AT corresponding to the amount of time in program (i.e. 90 days study = 90 days AT eligibility). Authorized through OIA without application to immigration service or fee. Requires a job offer, so you must have a job lined up before graduation.

If you have another status in the U.S., such as H4, L2, or adjustment applicant, it is possible to study in those statuses without obtaining either an F-1 or J-1 visa.