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Compare Student Visa Categories

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The two most common visa categories for full-time study in the United States are F-1 and J-1. While most University students receive documentation for the F-1 visa, the J-1 visa is sometimes required by government sponsors. ISO will determine which category is more appropriate for you based on information from you and your admitting department.

For either category, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) to apply for the appropriate visa. Learn more about the visa application process.

If you prefer a J-1 student visa, you must indicate your request on the New Student Intake Forms (NSIF). Be sure you understand the rules of either visa category before returning the forms.

Comparing F-1 and J-1

For additional information on comparing these student visa categories, read the guidance below. You can also visit the US Department of State website.

F-1 students (Form I-20)

  • No residency requirements for changing status to another visa category in the future
  • Source of funding can come from any combination of sources
  • Spouses and children (F-2 dependents) are not eligible for employment or full-time study
  • Health insurance is not mandatory by government regulation, but is required by the University and is strongly recommended for all dependents
  • SEVIS Fee is required for initial I-20 (not required for dependents)
  • On-campus employment is automatically granted during the program
  • Off-campus employment can be recommended; Optional Practical Training (OPT) can allow students 12 months (and possibly an additional 24 months for students in the STEM Fields) work authorization related to the field of study.

J-1 students (Form DS-2019)

  • Potential 2-year home-residency requirement (for J-1 and dependents) before gaining eligibility to change or adjust visa status, including long term employment or permanent residency.
  • Source of funding: Majority of funding must be from sources other than personal or family funds. Self-funded students are not eligible for the J-1 student visa.
  • Spouses and children (J-2 dependents) are eligible to apply for work authorization, and may enroll in full or part-time study
  • Health insurance is mandatory for J-1 students andJ-2 dependents
  • SEVIS Fee is $220 and required for initial DS-2019 (not required for dependents)
  • On-campus employment must be approved in advance by ISO or program sponsor
  • Off-campus employment: Academic Training can be granted for up to 18 months’ work authorization (and a possible total of 36 months for Doctoral candidates), provided the work is related to the field of study and a job offer letter is available in advance

Non-University of Rochester immigration sponsorship

This is for students who will attend the University of Rochester with the authorization and immigration sponsorship of another agency (IIE/Fulbright, AmidEast, LASPAU, H-1B/H-4 employer, J-2 and H-4 dependents, and individuals in E, G, or L categories).

If you have immigration sponsorship from another organization, you don’t need to request documentation from ISO for your studies. However, you may still want to partner with ISO or find it helpful to maintain your information with ISO for consultation purposes. You’ll need to be in touch directly with your sponsoring agency for your other needs.

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