I-20 / DS-2019
A comparision between F-1 and J-1 student statuses are below:
| 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 to Permanent Residency |
| Documentation | I-20 form issued by school | DS-2019 form issued by school or other sponsor (Fulbright, USAID, 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 and updated in SEVIS | Processed by sponsor and updated in SEVIS |
| Funding | Personal, family, non-governmental sponsors, institutional funds, 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 Department of State (must include evacuation and repatriation benefits) |
| Limitation of stay | Duration of status | Duration of status |
| Practical Training | 12 months Optional Practical Training after each academic level; job offer not required, approved by USCIS | 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 USCIS authorization |
| Work permission | On-campus work while maintaining F-1 status, off-campus work with prior permission of USCIS or Designated School Official (CPT or OPT) | On campus work while maintaining J-1 status; off-campus work with program sponsor's authorization (AT) |
* Or 12 hours, if on a graduate assistantship.
J1 Visa Categories
Request Forms for J1 Visas/DS-2019
Request Form for F1 Visas/I-20