
Can I change my F1 visa to J1 visa?
Your question indicates you’re talking about a high school student on a F1 visa. A F1 can switch to a J1, but you have to be in an eligible program with a sponsor. What’s particularly important: “The Exchange Visitor Program (J1) fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges.
What are the rules for F1 student visa?
You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria:
- You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
What are reasons for visa denial of a F1 visa?
common reasons for f-1 visa rejection: Lack of sufficient financial proof to support the student's education. Lack of document proof that confirms a necessary return to the home country after completion of education.
When to apply for F1 student visa?
When to Apply. You must apply for your visa well in advance of your arrival, as it can in some instances take several weeks and occasionally longer, to obtain the F-1 student visa. The U.S. Department of State has instructed U.S. consulates that they may issue an F-1 visa no more than 120 days in advance of the program start date.

Which visa is better J-1 or F-1?
The difference between the two arises during periods of recess. During periods of recess, students holding F1 status may work full time. Students holding J1 status may also work full time however, they will require the permission of their Alternate Responsible Officer (OISS advisor).
Is J-1 visa a student visa?
The J-1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa or J student visa, is for anyone outside of the US who wishes to take part in study- and work-related exchange programs approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Can J-1 visa apply for F-1?
It's possible to go from J-1 to F-1 status without leaving the U.S. or remaining outside of it for two years before applying to USCIS. If you are a J-1 visa holder admitted to an academic study program in the United States, you aren't necessarily stuck with that as your only possible immigration status.
Can I have J-1 and F-1 at the same time?
Can I apply for both a J and F visa at the same time? You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other.
Who is qualify for J-1 visa?
In order to qualify for a J-1 exchange visitor visa, you need to be coming to the U.S. as a student, scholar, trainee, intern, au pair, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate, or international visitor.
How long is J-1 visa valid?
Length of Time Business and Industrial Trainees Can Stay in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa. Business and industrial trainees may be issued J-1 visas for a maximum of 18 months.
Can you go from J-1 to green card?
Is it Possible to Transfer from J1 to Green Card Status in the U.S.? Yes, transitioning from a J1 visa to green card status is possible, but not all J1 visa holders will be eligible for a green card. There are a number of problems with attempting to transition from a J1 to a green card.
How can I stay in US after J1 visa expires?
Travel and J1 Travel Grace Period If you are applying for a J1 visa extension, you can still travel outside of the U.S., you just need to make sure you have a valid J1 visa stamp on your passport. If this visa stamp has expired, you must get a new visa before you travel.
Can J1 visa apply for green card?
Technically, J-1 visa holders are not eligible for the U.S. green card. In order to obtain a J-1 visa, you need to demonstrate that you have ties to your home country (such as family or assets) and that you fully intend to return once your J-1 stint has ended.
What are the benefits of J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa allows for recipients to enter under different approved categories impacting all markets: student, intern, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research, and summer work, among others. This allows for a diverse field of ideas, innovation, and skills within industries.
How long does J-1 visa take after interview?
Please see “Administrative Processing” for further information. If you were advised at the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued, you can expect your application to take up to 8 months to process from the date of the interview.
Can you change jobs on J-1 visa?
It is possible to change employers during the 3 year J1 visa waiver period, so long as the following may need to be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the US Immigration Service: Extenuating circumstances based on hardship exist.
Which is better, J-1 or F-1?
For this, the F-1 visa is usually the better option, as it allows you to work off campus in your field and even allows you to work for one to two years after your studies are over. In contrast, the J-1 only allows you to work on campus. However, for the F-1 , you will need to wait one year before applying for off-campus work.
What is an F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa is one of two student-specific visas, the other being the M-1 for vocational schools. Through the F-1, you will be able to live, study, and in some cases work in the U.S. for the duration of your scholastic program.
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
This visa class is broken down into two subcategories. The L-1A visa is for managers and executives while the L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge.
What is dual intent visa?
This is by far the most popular dual intent visa thanks to its low requirements and many benefits, including being able to work full or part-time, being able to work for multiple employers simultaneously, and being able to transfer your status relatively easily. This is a large step forward from the J-1 and F-1 visas, which have strict regulations surrounding employment. To qualify, you just need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation (generally, one that requires a bachelor’s degree). You must also have the required degree.
Can I file an I-129 with dual intent?
Once you have chosen the dual intent visa that works for you, you will need to file an I-129 along with the supporting evidence and filing fees. In most cases, you can simultaneously file the I-140 petition for your green card. Here are the most popular employment-based green cards:
Is Immi USA a non-immigrant?
Here at Immi-USA, we have helped countless students and professionals like yourself obtain both nonimmigrant and immigrant statuses in the U.S. From choosing the visa and filing the petition to even pursuing a green card, our dedicated team of attorneys will be with you every step of the way and will handle the important aspects of your case.
What is the most common visa status used by students in the U.S.?
F-1 is the most common visa status used by students in the U.S. and best fits a student's situation. Most international students at UC Berkeley have F-1 status. See F-1 Immigration Regulations to find out more about the benefits and restrictions of F-1 status.
Can a F-2 spouse go to school?
F-2 children may attend full-time elementary or secondary school (kindergarten-12th grade ).
Can a F-2 spouse enroll in a full time school?
F-2 spouses and children may enroll in academic programs for less than a full course of study at an SEVP-approved school. (link is external) . (Check with the school and their international office to be sure enrollment is less than full-time.) F-2 spouses and children may participate in studies that are "avocational or recreational in nature" ...
Can a F-2 dependent get a work permit?
F-2 dependents (spouse, child) are not eligible for any work permit. J-1 and J-2 dependents may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. J-1 and J-2 dependents may also be subject to the 12-Month Bar depending on the length of the J program. Note that the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement ...
What is an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a great option for individuals who want to study in an accredited program that has a specific educational objective. It is also important to note that F-1 visa holders have more opportunities and flexibility to work under certain requirements and limitations.
How long before I can get an F-1 visa?
The earlier you begin the process, the smoother the process will be. With an F-1 visa you can only enter the U.S. 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20.
What schools are covered by the F-1 visa?
The types of schools covered by the F-1 visa include the following: Universities or Colleges with programs of at least 12 hours per semester where the student is charged full-time tuition. Private Elementary or Middle School. Public or Private academic High School.
Do you need to have a proficiency in English to travel with dependents?
The amount of evidence needed is greater if you plan on traveling with dependents. English Proficiency - You must have a proficiency in English that is sufficient to complete your studies in the U.S. However, if you plan on studying English while in the U.S., then this requirement does not apply to you.

J-1 Visa
F-1 Visa
- The F-1 visais one of two student-specific visas, the other being the M-1 for vocational schools. Through the F-1, you will be able to live, study, and in some cases work in the U.S. for the duration of your scholastic program. The F-1 is for those who wish to enroll in a: 1. Private elementary school 2. High school 3. College 4. University In order to qualify, you must show: 1. That you are …
Studying in The U.S.
- Both the J-1 and the F-1 are designed with the student in mind. Most people who wish to study in the U.S. choose one of these two options, and this may very well be the reason you are reading this now. Both visas allow you to study at any secondary school or University in the country and obtain any degree or certification that requires earned credits. However, both require you to be s…
Working in The U.S.
- A large difference between the J-1 and F-1 visas is the access you may have to regular employment. J-1 students are permitted to work provided that they obtain work authorization. However, most J-1 programs (meaning schools), will only allow you to work on campus for 20 hours per week (part time). You could work as a teacher’s aide, custodian, in f...
Getting A Green Card
- Some nonimmigrant visas are considered “dual intent” visas due to the fact that they allow you to pursue immigrant status (green card status) without impacting your current nonimmigrant status. Unfortunately, neither the J-1 nor the F-1 visa are dual intent. This means that applying for a green card could cause your J-1 or F-1 status to be revoked and a bar to potentially be placed on you, p…
J-1 vs F-1 Visa: Which Is Better?
- As you have probably guessed, the decision of whether you should pursue the F-1 or the J-1 visa is heavily based on both your current situation and your plans for the future. As a student, both visas are great opportunities to learn without restriction in the United States. However, the main difference comes when you consider if and how you would like to work during or after your studi…
Other Options
- The J-1 and F-1 visas are far from the only way that one could live and study in the U.S. For example, many secondary visas allow holders to study. These include the H-4, L-2, O-2, and E-2 dependent visas. Through these visas, the spouses and dependents of the primary visa holders (e.g. H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) are given the ability to study at most institutions. Some even allow spou…