F-1 Student Visa versus J-1 Student Visa

International students admitted to full-time, in-person, degree-seeking programs may be eligible for the F-1 student visa; the majority of UF international students hold this visa status. Some students may also be eligible for the J-1 student visa, which is part of the Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program.

Who is eligible to choose between F-1 and J-1?

The Exchange Visitor Program, otherwise known as the J-1 visa, is part of a larger US Department of State mission to foster cultural and educational exchange and cooperation between countries.

Only students with a substantial portion of funding from a scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, home or US government/government entity, international organization, or an employer/corporate sponsor are eligible to choose the J-1 visa. Students with only personal or family funding are NOT eligible for J-1 student status.

Unlike the F-1 status, in order to qualify for the J-1 student visa, a student must demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire academic program.

I am eligible to choose between F-1 and J-1. How do I know which student visa is right for me?

The differences between the F-1 and J-1 student visa types are outlined in the chart below. Please review the information below carefully. This list covers the major differences between the F-1 and J-1 student visa types, but it is not exhaustive.

If you have further questions about the F visa, please use the contact form. If you have further questions about the J visa, please emailevs@ufic.ufl.edu.

F-1 Student Visa versus J-1 Student Visa descriptions
	F-1 Status	J-1 Status
Eligibility	Most international students use this status The source of funds may originate from the student’s personal funding, their family or relatives, scholarships, education loans, investment or money market accounts, or various other sources. Multiple sources may be used in combination Must show sufficient funds for the first academic year	At least 60% of funding must come from a source other than personal or family funds For example: scholarship, fellowship or assistantship, home government, US government, international organization, or an employer/corporate sponsor Personal and/or family funds can be used to support any J-2 dependents Must show sufficient funds for the entire academic program Investment portfolios cannot be used to demonstrate funding Funding documents cannot be in a J-2 dependent’s name, but joint bank statements are accepted
Dependents	Can bring spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 as F-2 dependents F-2 dependents are permitted to: Attend K-12 school Take part-time courses including part-time English language training F-2 dependents are not permitted to: Engage in any type of employment including certain types of volunteering (visit the Employment page for more information) Enroll in a degree-seeking university program on a full-time basis Live separately from the F-1 student in the US	Can bring spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 as J-2 dependents J-2 dependents are permitted to: Attend K-12 school Take part-time courses including part-time English language training Enroll in a degree-seeking university program Apply for permission to work in the US must apply with USCIS $520 application fee J-2 dependents are not permitted to: Engage in any type of employment including certain types of volunteering (visit the J-2 Employment page for more information) without first obtaining employment authorization Live separately from the J-1 student in the US
On-Campus Employment	Maximum of 20 hours per week when classes are in session More than 20 hours is permitted during official UF breaks No prior authorization required Work performed as part of an assistantship contract is on-campus employment and subject to the 20- hour weekly limit for on-campus employment	Maximum of 20 hours per week when classes are in session More than 20 hours is permitted during official UF breaks Must request authorization in writing from an EVS advisor prior to starting employment
Off-Campus Employment	Refer to the Employment or Training page for detailed information. Employment or practical training that is directly related to the student’s field of study (whether paid or unpaid) is allowed only after receiving the proper authorization. This includes: Curricular Practical Training – Must fulfill a degree requirement for the program of study, allowed after the first academic year Optional Practical Training (Standard) – May apply to work before graduation (pre- completion, less common) or after graduation (post-completion, most common) STEM OPT Extension – Extension of OPT is available for students in designated STEM fields only; the work must be paid. Severe Economic Hardship – Available after the first academic year, requires approval from USCIS. Special Student Relief – Available only for citizens of designated countries which qualify under the SSR emergent circumstances, requires approval from USCIS.	Academic Training Employment (paid or unpaid) that is directly related to a student's field of study Can be authorized with a company, organization, or academic institution anywhere within the US (including UF) 60% of time per week must be in-person (fully remote positions are not eligible for Academic Training) Types of Academic Training Pre-Completion (during degree program) Only approved in limited cases Post-Completion (after graduation) Must be at least 32 hours per week Position must begin within 30 days of Form DS-2019 end date Duration Bachelors and Masters students eligible for up to 18 months PhD students eligible for up to 36 months Must apply for authorization in writing from an EVS advisor prior to starting Academic Training
Clinical Programs	Performing clinical work or other practical training may require seeking Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval. The CPT approval must be obtained before the work begins.	Patient contact is not permitted for J-1 students. This may restrict opportunities for Student Employment or Academic Training Students in a clinical program (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy) should not use the J-1 status unless their funding source requires it
Tenure-Track Positions	Students with authorized OPT can begin tenure-track positions. The employer would then need to sponsor an H-1B or other employment visa for when OPT time runs out.	Students cannot use Academic Training for tenure-track positions. J-1 Students who accept tenure-track positions would need to obtain a new visa status prior to starting the position.
Future Restrictions	No restriction on future immigration statuses	212(e) Two-Year Home Residency Requirement This affects eligibility for other types of US visas during and after the J-1 program. It applies to some, but not all, exchange visitors depending on a variety of factors. If subject Cannot change from the J-1 visa status while in the US. Not eligible for H-1B, L, K, or immigrant visa status until the student has physically resided in their country of residence for at least two (2) years or has successfully waived the requirement. 12-Month Repeat Participation Bar Any student on the J-1 visa is not eligible to return to the US as a J-1 Research Scholar/Professor until 12 months after the program ends

If you have further questions about the F visa, please use the contact form. If you have further questions about the J visa, please email evs@ufic.ufl.edu.