Understanding F-1 and J-1 Visas
When coming to the United States, there are a variety of immigration statuses available. F-1 and J-1 statuses are recognized as full-time students.
When applying for immigration sponsorship through UC Santa Cruz, you have the option of applying for F-1 or J-1 status. Both statuses allow you to study, as well as on-campus and some off-campus work.
Eligibility for F-1 and J-1 Status
- F-1 Visa: You must be accepted into a full-time program of study, meet the English requirement, and be able to demonstrate proof of funds for at least the first year of study to be eligible for an I-20 and F-1 visa.
- J-1 Visa: You may be eligible for the DS-2019 form and J-1 student visa if you have outside support (e.g., a scholarship, grant, government, or other), or if you are coming for short-term exchange programs.
- Funding from outside sources should cover at least half of the cost of tuition.
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 at end of program |
30 day grace period 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 may study for recreational purposes (i.e. cooking classes, language classes, ect.) or part-time in a degree program but may not work. |
Spouses in J-2 status can study, and are also eligible for work authorization with application to immigration service |
|
No home residency requirement. |
May be subject to 2 year home residency requirement |
|
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. 24 Month STEM Extension: Those who will complete a degree in USCIS-approved STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field, may be eligible for the 24 month STEM extension, after completing 12 months of regular OPT. 2) Curricular Practical Training: CPT may be authorized when the employment/internship is required by the degree program or when the student receives course credit for the employment/internship. |
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. |
