Visa Categories
F-1 & J-1 Comparison
| F-1 Student Visa | J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must be admitted as a full-time student in an accredited academic program. You should also exhibit academic excellence and prove that you have adequate financial means to cover your tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the United States. | To qualify for J-1 status, individuals must be enrolled in full-time academic programs and receive substantial financial support (at least 51%) from the U.S. government, their home country's government, or a public/private organization. |
| On-Campus Employment | On-Campus Employment: On-campus employment does not require a work permit. Limited to 20 hours per week during an academic term and full-time during breaks. | On-Campus Employment: On-campus employment requires a work permit from the program sponsor. Limited to 20 hours per week during an academic term and full-time during breaks. |
| Post-Degree Training & Off-Campus Employment | Off-Campus Employment: Off-campus employment requires a work permit from the Office of International Services and/or USCIS. Optional Practical Training (OPT): Eligible only after being in valid student status for one academic year. Eligible to work for up to 12 months per educational level with the possibility of extended OPT time in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. |
Off-Campus Employment: Off-campus employment requires a work permit authorization from the program sponsor. Academic Training is available for off-campus jobs/internships related to your course of study. A maximum of 18 months of Academic Training may be used during and after your studies. An extension for up to 18 months is possible for post-doctoral research. Off-campus work during the degree program reduces the total period of Academic Training available after program completion. |
| Two-Year Home Country Residency Requirement | No home residency requirement following the completion of the program. | J-1 and J-2 dependents may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. J-1 and J-2 dependents may also be subject to the 12-Month Bar, depending on the length of the J program. |
| Dependents (Spouse and Children) | F-2 dependents are not eligible for any work permits. | J-2 dependent (spouse, child) work permission is available but not guaranteed. Income from the dependent's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 primary status holder. |
| Health Insurance | As a Jefferson student, you must have Jefferson student health insurance for the duration of your academic program. If you want to waive Jefferson's insurance, your insurance must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for a waiver. | J-1 students and any family members accompanying in J-2 status are required to have insurance that complies with the U.S. Department of State for the entire duration of their program. |