This page is intended for students who are evaluating which immigration status makes the most sense for their situation. Not all students are eligible for both statuses, and the vast majority of international degree-seeking students come to UVM in F-1 status, but occasionally students will come in J-1 status. The following chart outlines major differences between the F-1 and J-1 visa to help guide you in your decision-making before acquiring your UVM initial student status. Following initial arrival to UVM in one student status sponsored by UVM, it is OIE policy that we will not issue a document for a student to change to a different UVM-sponsored student status unless a change in funding necessitated that change. Students should plan carefully prior to deciding on their initial status.
F-1 and J-1 - Understanding the Difference
The core differences of the F-1 vs. J-1 status are outlined below. When students select a preferred status through their iStart process, they consent to having read and made a decision factoring in their realities including the risks and benefits of the statuses as outlined below.
- How do I intend to pay for my studies?
- Do I plan to participate in off-campus internships during my studies?
- Is my spouse joining me in the US? Are they hoping to work while they are here?
- What are my professional goals after my program ends?
| F-1 | J-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of Status | The purpose of the F-1 program is to support someone who "who seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study consistent with section 214(m) at an established college, university," (INA101(a)(15)(F) | The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program to which J-1 statuses belong is ""to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries." |
| Funding | You may use any source(s) of financial support that demonstrates liquid funds. You are required to show proof of funding for the first year of your program. | You must have funding from an outside source, such as a funding agency or a UVM graduate assistantship. More than half (at least 51%) of your funding for the duration of your program must come from sources other than personal funds. Personal funds includes loans as well as funds from a family member, friend, or personal sponsor. You are required to show proof of funding for the full length of your program, including for any dependents. For students with dependents, this often means more significant up-front savings are needed to demonstrate coverage for the duration of a program. |
| Employment during your studies | You are eligible for part-time on-campus employment without authorization. Off-campus employment via CPT requires prior authorization through the OIE. | Both on-campus employment and off-campus employment require prior authorization through the OIE. This includes completing an authorization form for UVM assistantships. Off-campus employment during studies deducts from overall Academic Training time available, and thus may reduce post-graduate Academic Training. |
| Employment after your studies | You are eligible to apply through USCIS for 12 months of post-completion optional practical training (OPT) authorization. OPT is a blanket work authorization for training in the field of study and thus a job offer is not required to apply. Students can have up to 90 days of unemployment. Students in STEM-eligible fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT if they also meet employment and other criteria. | You are eligible to apply through OIE for academic training (AT) authorization for up to 18 months or the duration of your program, whichever is shorter. The 18 months are reduced if students used AT time during their studies. AT is job-specific, and a job offer is required to request AT and students must request AT prior to program end date or students lose Academic Training eligibility. Doctoral students may extend their AT for up to 18 additional months beyond the initial 18 month. |
| Dependents | F-2 dependents are not eligible to work. F-2 dependents may study part-time in a degree program or take classes recreationally. F-2 children may attend school full-time from kindergarten to 12th grade. | J-2 dependents are eligible to work with authorization they can apply for from the USCIS. Work authorization is not guaranteed, and employment is not possible if the income from that employment is needed to support expected expenses - J-2 applicants must satisfy this with evidence to the USCIS. J-2 dependents are eligible to study part-time or full-time. |
| Home Country Obligations | F-1 students and their dependents do not have a home residency requirement following their studies based on their F-1 status. | J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement following their studies. The Office of International Education cannot assist with 2.12E Waiver advising for our J-1 students. |
| Other Considerations | You may enter the US up to 30 days before the start date as listed on your I-20. You may stay in the US up to 60 days after your program end date as listed on your I-20. If you are transferring to a new institution, you may continue to use the F-1 visa from your previous institution when you travel internationally, assuming it has not expired. | You may enter the US up to 30 days before the start date as listed on your DS-2019. You may stay in the US up to 30 days after your program end date as listed on your DS-2019. If you are transferring to a new institution, you must apply for a new J-1 visa to reflect the new exchange program at the new institution the next time you travel internationally. |