F-1 or J-1 Status?

 

ELIGIBILITY

F-1: Available for all future students otherwise eligible to come to the U.S. as nonimmigrants.

J-1: Possible only if:

• The student is supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds or loans;

• The student or the program is financed directly or indirectly by the U.S. government, a home government or an international organization of which the U.S. is a member; or

• The student will participate in an exchange program that is based on an agreement between the U.S. and another government or a written agreement between: a) UVA and a foreign educational institution; b) UVA and a foreign government; or c) A U.S. state or local government and a foreign government.

HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

F-1: No home-residency requirement

J-1: Many students who hold J-1 status (and any accompanying J-2 dependents) will be required to reside in their home country for an aggregate of 2 years before pursuing some temporary worker visa statuses or permanent residence in the U.S.

OFF-GROUNDS EMPLOYMENT

F-1: In general, practical training (employment authorization) may be granted only after the student completes one academic year. Visit our F-1 employment webpage for more information. Note that many students receiving degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math may be eligible for additional months of F-1 employment authorization following the program of study.

J-1: In general, academic training (employment authorization) may be granted following the program of study, or during the program, for an aggregate period equal to the length of the program of study or 18 months (36 months for post-doc positions), whichever is shorter. Students attending UVA for one academic year would thus earn approximately 9 months of academic training. For academic training, a job offer is required.

DEPENDENTS

F-2 Dependents: Full-time study and employment are strictly prohibited for F-2 dependent family members.  Part-time study is permitted.

J-2 Dependents: Dependent family in J-2 status may apply for employment authorization and may study full-time.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

F-1: Student may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date and must depart the U.S. within 60 days of the program end date or employment authorization end date (or make an appropriate application to change to a different status)

J-1: Student may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date and must depart the U.S. within 30 days of the program end date (or make an appropriate application to change to a different status).

MEDICAL INSURANCE

F-1: Medical insurance is required by the University but not as a condition of the visa status.

J-1: Medical insurance is required by the University and as a condition of the visa status.