What is F-1 visa status?
What is F-1 “Status”? “Status” is your nonresident category officially granted by an immigration official. To be in F-1 “status” means that you are legally in the U.S. and have benefits and restrictions specified in the immigration regulations for the F-1 visa category.
What is the meaning of J-1 visa?
The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Q-1 visa is for participation in certain international cultural exchange programs.
Who is eligible 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.
Does J-1 visa allow to work?
Can You Work in the US with a J-1 Visa? Yes, you can! J-1 students are permitted to work while studying, as long as they obtain work authorization. There are certain restrictions, such as only working part time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
How can I stay in USA after J-1 visa?
Visitors can transition from the J-1 visa to permanent residence in two different ways. They can also decide whether or not they want to take advantage of consular processing and make a status adjustment. An adjustment of status requires the joint cooperation of the visitor's employer and the visitor.
Is J-1 visa easy to get?
J-1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa.
How much is a J-1 visa to America?
$160The only J visa applicants who do not have to pay this $160 J-1 visa fee are applicants participating in “official U.S. government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges” and their dependent children/spouses.
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.
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 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.
How to protect yourself from mistakes in immigration?
Understanding the complexities and nuances of immigration law takes years of practice and study. Entrusting your case to an expert is the best way to protect yourself from costly mistakes and common pitfalls. By allowing a qualified immigration attorney to handle your situation, you are setting yourself up for success.
Is a green card dual intent?
Unfortunately, neither the J-1 nor the F-1 visa are dual intent.
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:
How to get an F-1 visa?
F-1 Visa: To be eligible for an I-20 and F-1 visa, you must be admitted to a full-time program of study, meet the English requirement, and be able to show proof of funding for at least the first year of study.
How many hours can you work on campus while in F-1?
Immediately eligible for up to 20 hours/week of on-campus work authorization; unlimited on-campus work authorization on breaks while remaining in F-1 status. Immediately eligible for up to 20 hours/week of on-campus work authorization; unlimited on-campus work authorization on breaks while remaining in J-1 status.
Can a spouse in F-2 status study?
Spouses in F-2 status may study for recreational purposes (i.e. cooking classes, language classes, ect.) or part-time in a degree program but may not work. Spouses in J-2 status can study, and are also eligible for work authorization with application to immigration service. No home residency 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.
What is an I-20?
The government looks to your I-20 to determine the cost of your academic program. An I-20 is a form given to you by your school upon acceptance. Some students prove financial support by including a sponsor in their application (usually a family member).
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.
What is the purpose of an F-1 visa?
An F-1 student’s primary purpose for coming to the United States is to complete a full-time program of study at any grade level at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
Who coordinates with the designated program sponsor's Responsible Officer?
J-1 university or college students coordinate with the designated program sponsor's Responsible Officer. Program sponsors are organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Private Sector Exchange.
Do you have to study while on an F-1 visa?
Because studying is an F-1 student’s primary purpose, students with F-1 visas must be enrolled in a full course of study while in the United States and must follow the rules to maintain their F-1 student status.
What is the difference between a J1 and F1 visa?
The difference between an F1 and a J1 student visa in terms of funding is that a J1 visa requires a large or “substantive” portion of the funding to come from an outside source, such as a university or the government. 50% of the financial support needs to come from outside family/personal savings.
How Difficult Is It to Get a J-1 and F-1 Visa Approved?
Generally, the J-1 and F-1 visa is not very difficult to get approved. There are two key points that determine your chances of approval:
What is a F-1 visa?
A F-1 visa is also a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to those wishing to pursue full-time education within the United States. Therefore, applicants of the F-1 visa are those who wish to attend University, seminary, language training program, private elementary school or any other academic institution in the US. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria, and English language requirements.
What Are Some Important Points to Remember About the F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa has a validity period equivalent to the duration of the educational program. A grace period of sixty days is allowed post the end of the program.
How much does it cost to get a visa in the US?
The US State Department charges a Visa application fee for every applicant. Currently, the fee is $160 , however, the fee is subject to change and applicants are advised to check on the US Embassy website prior to their embassy interview for the most up-to-date fee.
How to apply for an F-1 visa?
Upon its fulfillment, you can apply for an F-1 visa by submitting an I-539 Application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How long is the grace period for a J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa has a validity period equivalent to the duration of the training/visit. A grace period of 30 days is allowed post the end of the program.
Do you have to return home on a non-immigrant visa?
Non-immigrant intent visa; must prove strong ties to the home country. No requirement to return home upon program completion.
Can a F-2 be employed?
Employment experience must be directly related to the program of study. Dependents. F-2 dependents are not eligible for employment. F-2 dependents are allowed to study part time. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to USCIS for permission to work in the US after their arrival and must renew permission annually.
What is the purpose of an F-1 visa?
An F-1 student’s primary purpose for coming to the United States is to complete a full-time program of study at any grade level at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
Who coordinates with the designated program sponsor's Responsible Officer?
J-1 university or college students coordinate with the designated program sponsor's Responsible Officer. Program sponsors are organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Private Sector Exchange.
Do you have to study while on an F-1 visa?
Because studying is an F-1 student’s primary purpose, students with F-1 visas must be enrolled in a full course of study while in the United States and must follow the rules to maintain their F-1 student status.
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…