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F1 and J1 Visas: Comparing Student Visa Options
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F-1 and J-1 US Student Visa Process guide

F-1 and J-1 US Student Visa Process guide

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Explore the differences between F1 and J1 visas, their application processes, eligibility criteria, and benefits. Get expert insights on choosing the right visa for your study.

Student visa Study abroad
GyanDhan
Dipali Negi
Updated on:  21 Feb 2025  | Reviewed By:  Aman  | 10.5K | 11  min read

In 2023, 1.4 lakh Indian students received their student visas excluding 36% of the rejected visa, which is quite high. Many reasons were pointed out in the rejection letter, after lack of funds was wrong visa type. Therefore, here is detailed information about two important US student visas. This will help you outline the F1 visa vs J1 visa.

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Types of US Student Visa

The three types of student visa for US are F1, J1, and M1. But, the M1 visa is for vocational courses, and in this blog, we will focus on student visas for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

F1 Student Visa:

Most students apply for the F1 student visa, which allows them to stay for a long time to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses. This student visa requires 18 hours of classes per week.

J1 Student Visa:

Students who participate in the student exchange program need to apply for a J1 student visa. However, many students mistakenly apply for the F1 student visa instead.

 

Read more about: US Visa Types and their importance.

 

Here is the key financial criteria required for the J1 student visa. Keep them in mind while applying for the J1 student visa.

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F1 visa vs J1 visa

If you are still unclear about the difference between an F1 and a J1 visa, learn about the difference from the table below:

Feature F1 Visa J1 Visa

Purpose

For academic students pursuing a full-time course of study in the U.S.

For participants in exchange programs (students, scholars, interns, etc.)

Eligibility

Must be enrolled in a full-time academic program at a U.S. institution

Must be accepted into a U.S. government-approved exchange program

Duration

Typically lasts for the duration of the academic program, plus a 60-day grace period.

Varies by program type (up to 5 years for students, longer for other categories like scholars).

Work Authorization

On-campus employment allowed (up to 20 hours/week during school, full-time during breaks). Off-campus employment is allowed with authorization.

Employment is allowed only if directly related to the exchange program (e.g., internships, research).

Family Members

Spouses and children can accompany on an F2 visa, but cannot work.

Spouses and children can accompany them on a J2 visa; J2 visa holders may apply for work authorization in some cases.

Funding Requirement

Must prove sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, etc.

Must demonstrate financial support from the sponsor organization (may include stipend or scholarship).

Post-Graduation

After completion of studies, 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) is allowed (may be extended for STEM graduates).

Must return to the home country for at least 2 years (in some cases) under the 2-year home residency requirement.

Home Residency Requirement

No requirement to return to your home country after the program ends.

Some J1 visa holders are subject to a 2-year home residency requirement before applying for other U.S. visas.

Visa Processing

Application through U.S. embassy/consulate.

Application through the U.S. embassy/consulate after being accepted into a designated exchange program.

Change of Status

F1 visa holders may apply for a change of status to another non-immigrant visa or immigrant status.

J1 holders may apply for a change of status or extend their stay in some cases but may face restrictions due to the home residency requirement.

 

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Process of Getting an F1 Visa

If you are applying for the F1 student visa then you can use the following steps to create a roadmap for the F1 visa. 

Enroll in Legitimate University:

The US student visa's first requirement is an offer letter however, the offer letter should be from a university that is mentioned in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) list.

Receive a SEVP Certificate:

When you are accepted to the university, you are listed in the Sevis System and you will receive the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students), also called the I-20 form. 

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Dues:

You have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee which is $350 and ensure that all the entered information on the form matches with your other related documents. 

Fill DS-160 Form:

After receiving the SEVIS I-901 form (you'll receive a receipt), and then you are eligible to fill up the DS-160 form. The DS-160 is an online F1 visa application form. 

Book Your Visa Appointment:

After completing the US Visa application, you have to book your visa appointment. Do prepare for the visa interview and reach the appointment center early to avoid any rush.

 

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Process of Getting a J1 Student Visa

Student exchange programs are helpful and even help many students in experiencing diverse cultures and teaching methodologies of other countries. This program also helps students receive monetary support from government bodies. Let’s know about the J1 Visa application process:

Choose an Exchange Program:

You must be accepted into an accredited exchange program that is authorized by the U.S. Department of State. 

Obtain Form DS-2019:

Once you are accepted into a program, the sponsor organization will provide you with a DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status). 

Pay the SEVIS Fee:

After submitting the DS-2019 form, pay the SEVIS fee of $220. This can be done online and safeguard the receipt as you need to submit it during the visa interview. 

Complete the DS-160 Form:

The DS-160 form is the online application for the J1 Visa USA. It requires personal, academic, and travel information, as well as details about your exchange program.

Book Your Visa Appointment:

For the student visa J1, you need to attend a visa interview. Be prepared to discuss your exchange program, your ties to your home country, and your plans after completing your program.

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Tips for F1 and J1 Student Visa Interviews

When you are attending the student visa interview, students often cause some blunders which in turn impact them with a rejection.

 

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    Be up-to-date with your preparation.
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    Cross-check and verify whether all documents are with you.
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    Dress impeccably. First impressions are important.
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    Try to calm your nervousness as it can be seen as a sign of weakness or dishonesty.
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    Pay heed to your body language and personality.
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    Be as thorough and compulsive as possible, and avoid callousness. 
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    Do not provide any documents that are not required.
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    Arrive early as late arrivals are considered as carelessness.
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Common Rejection Reasons of the Student Visa J1 and F1

The rejection rate for student visas is around 36 percent and the common reasons listed for the rejection are the following:

 

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    Many students submit incomplete or invalid documents mistakenly. 
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    Unsatisfactory academic performance is also a reason for rejection.
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    No genuine intention to return, if they suspect weak bonds in the home country.
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    Lack of funds to support their abroad education.
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    The wrong visa type can also lead to visa rejection.
 

Want an explanation of the rejection reasons? Read US Visa Rejection Reason. Are you confused about the admission? Register for the free 30-minute call and get all your queries resolved.

 

Scholarships

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is funding the student's education in the US for F-1 Visa holders?
 

For a person to qualify for an F1 visa, the academic funding has to necessarily come from personal sources, organizational sources, or a combination of both these sources. 

Is the student with an F-1 Visa eligible for on-campus employment?
 

Yes, part-time jobs are allowed while the academic period ensues. Even when it's a break, for instance, a recess in the education year, the student may work full time.

Who is funding the student's education in the US for J-1 visa holders?
 

The majority of academic funding here has to flow via outside sources like the university itself, or the government, e.g. in the case of scholarships, exchange programs, etc.

Is the 12-month bar applicable for J-1 visa holders?
 

Yes. J1 students can be barred from entering the country of the USA for a whole year in case they study on a J1 visa basis, for more than a time period of 6 months. 

What is the 2-year requirement for J-1 visa holders? Is this applicable here?
 

J1 visa students who are going to receive academic funding from their own country government or the US government have to establish a “home country physical presence residence requirement” for a minimum of two years in order to be eligible. 

What is J1 Visa Processing Time India?
 

The J1 visa USA takes around 8-13 weeks to process, thus, ensure to plan the student visa application accordingly. 

What is required to switch from F1 to J1?
 

You need to be accepted into a U.S. Department of State-approved exchange program and obtain a DS-2019 form from the sponsor.

What is required to switch from a J1 visa to student visa in USA?
 

You need to be accepted into a U.S. academic program and obtain an I-20 form from the institution.

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