Overview
There are many types of immigration statuses for foreign nationals coming to the U.S. Each has its own purpose, restrictions, and benefits. F-1 and J-1 statuses are designated as full time student statuses.
When you apply for immigration sponsorship from UChicago, you will be asked to choose between F-1 and J-1 status. Both statuses will allow you to study, and both allow for on-campus and some off-campus work authorization.
Eligibility for F-1 and J-1 Status
The eligibility requirements for F-1 and J-1 student status are as follows:
- 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.
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J-1 Visa: If you have funding from an outside source (e.g. scholarship, grant, government, or other), or are coming for short-term exchange programs, you may qualify for the DS-2019 form and J-1 student visa.
- NOTE: funding from an outside source should be equal to at least 50% of tuition expenses.
Comparing F-1 and J-1
If you're eligible for either F-1 or J-1, you may choose which is most appropriate based on your personal situation. For more, see the comparisons below:
F-1 |
J-1 |
---|---|
60 day grace period at end of program |
30 day grace period at end of program |
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 |
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. |
May be subject to 2 year home residency requirement |
Main types of off-campus work authorization: 1) Optional Practical Training (OPT). Eligible after completion of one year of study for up to 12 months per educational level of full-time off-campus work authorization related to program of study. Can be used either during or after program of study. Requires application to immigration service; processing takes 3-4 months and requires a fee. Exchange students not eligible. Does not require a job offer, so you can use it after graduation to look for a job. 24 Month STEM Extension: Those who will complete a degree in USCIS-approved STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field, may be eligible for the 24 month STEM extension, after completing 12 months of regular OPT. 2) Curricular Practical Training: used by Booth and College Metcalf Fellows most commonly; also available in other units. Used in the summer or part time during the school year after completion of one year of study and while you remain a student. |
Main type of off-campus work authorization: Academic Training (AT). Eligible for off-campus work authorization related to program of study up to 18 months for bachelors and masters students or length of academic program whichever is shorter, up to 3 years for doctoral students. Exchange students can be eligible for AT corresponding to the amount of time in program (i.e. 90 days study = 90 days AT eligibility). Authorized through OIA without application to immigration service or fee. Requires a job offer, so you must have a job lined up before graduation. |
If you have another status in the U.S., such as H4, L2, or adjustment applicant, it could be possible to study in those statuses without obtaining either an F-1 or J-1 visa. Visit our page on studying in a status outside of F-1/J-1 for more information.
If you have any questions about choosing a status for study, please do not hesitate to contact our office at international-affairs@uchicago.edu.