Comparison of the F-1 and J-1 student statuses
|
Visa status |
|
|
|
Academic program |
English as a Second Language Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D. |
All degree and non-degree programs except English as a Second Language |
|
Change to a different visa status |
No limitations as long as F-1 status is valid |
May not change categories within J-1 without leaving the U.S. Those not subject to the two-year home rule may change to any other visa status. Those subject to the two-year home rule may not change to H and L visas or Permanent Residency |
|
Documentation |
I-20 form issued by school |
IAP-66 form issued by school or other sponsor (Fulbright, USIA, ISEP, etc.) |
|
Enrollment |
Full-time (9 hrs for graduate students). Exceptions can be approved by Designated School Official (International Student Advisor) |
Full-time (9 hrs for graduate students). Exceptions can be approved only by the Responsible Officer (International Student Advisor) |
|
Extension of stay |
Processed by school, INS notified |
Processed by sponsor, USIA notified |
|
Personal, family, other |
Government, international organizations, exchange programs, other organizations |
|
|
Grace period |
60 days after program completion |
30 days after program completion |
|
Insurance |
Required by school |
Required by USIA (must include evacuation and repatriation benefits) |
|
Limitation of stay |
Duration of status |
Duration of status |
|
Practical Training |
12 months Optional Practical Training; job offer not required, approved by INS |
18 months Academic Training (36 months if in post-doctoral position); job offer required, approved by sponsor |
|
Spouse and dependent children (under 21) |
F-2 status, cannot work under any circumstances |
J-2 status, may work with INS authorization |
|
Work permission |
On-campus work incidental to status, off-campus work with prior permission of INS or Designated School Official |
On campus work incidental to status, off-campus work with program sponsor's authorization |