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International Graduate Student Services
Comparison of the F-1 and J-1 student statuses
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Visa status |
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Academic program |
English as a Second Language Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D. |
All degree and non-degree programs except English as a Second Language |
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Change to a different visa status |
No limitations as long as F-1 status is valid |
May not change categories within J-1 without leaving the U.S. Those not subject to the two-year home rule may change to any other visa status. Those subject to the two-year home rule may not change to H and L visas or to Permanent Residency |
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Documentation |
I-20 form issued by school |
DS-2019 form issued by school or other sponsor (Fulbright, USAID, ISEP, etc.) |
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Enrollment |
Full-time (9 hrs for graduate students*). Exceptions can be approved by Designated School Official (international Student Advisor) |
Full-time (9 hrs for graduate students*). Exceptions can be approved only by the Responsible Officer (international Student Advisor) |
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Extension of stay |
Processed by school and updated in SEVIS |
Processed by sponsor and updated in SEVIS |
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Personal, family, non-governmental sponsors, institutional funds, other |
Government, international organizations, exchange programs, other organizations |
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Grace period |
60 days after program completion |
30 days after program completion |
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Insurance |
Required by school |
Required by Department of State (must include evacuation and repatriation benefits) |
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Limitation of stay |
Duration of status |
Duration of status |
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Practical Training |
12 months Optional Practical Training after each academic level; job offer not required, approved by USCIS |
18 months Academic Training (36 months if in post-doctoral position); job offer required, approved by sponsor |
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Spouse and dependent children (under 21) |
F-2 status, cannot work under any circumstances |
J-2 status, may work with USCIS authorization |
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Work permission |
On-campus work while maintaining F-1 status, off-campus work with prior permission of USCIS or Designated School Official (CPT or OPT) |
On campus work while maintaining J-1 status; off-campus work with program sponsor's authorization (AT) |
* Or 12 hours, if on a graduate assistantship.
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Wednesday, August 3, 2005, 18:35 EDT
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