Comparison of the F-1 and J-1 Visas

 

Employment Options   F-1 Visa J-1 Visa
On-campus Employment Before Graduation
  • No authorization required
  • Allowed for 20 or fewer hours per week during academic year
  • Full-time work allowed during the summer and on breaks between quarters
  • Must obtain approval from Responsible Officer (usually International Center)
  • Allowed for 20 or fewer hours per week during academic year
  • Full-time work allowed during the summer and on breaks between quarters
Off-Campus Employment Before Graduation
  • Optional Practical Training (12 months or less)
  • Curricular Practical Training (unlimited, with conditions)
  • Internships with International Organizations
  • For reasons of economic Necessity
  • Academic Training (18 months or the length of your program, whichever is shorter)
Off-Campus Employment After Graduation Post-Completion Practical Training—total of 12 months, (may be limited by time spent in Optional Practical Training prior to graduation) Academic Training (restrictions are the same as those for participation prior to graduation)
Employment of Dependents Not allowed under any circumstances Allowed if dependents can prove their earnings are not needed to support the J-1 visa holder
School Attendance F-2 spouse may not engage in full time study, and the F-2 child may only engage in full time study if the study is in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). The F-2 spouse may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature. J-2 dependents may attend school part time or full-time.
Funding Proof of Funding
  • Must show proof of 9 months of funding for graduate study
  • Any personal funding must be verified with a bank statement or letter of support from a scholarship source
  • Must show proof of funding for entire term of study
  • Any personal funding must be verified with a bank statement or letter of support from a scholarship source
Funding from personal or family income (including loans) Unlimited Must be less than 50% of total funding per year

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