F1/J1 Visa Chart

Comparison Chart
F-1 Status J-1 Status
Source of Funding No funding source requirements. Can be funded through personal, UW-Madison, or independent scholarships. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding to cover one year’s tuition and living expenses. A substantial portion of funding (51% minimum) must be from a source other than personal funds. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding to cover the length of the program of study. ISS will review and approve submitted funding.
On Campus Employment Part time (up to 20 hours/week) when school is in session, full time during periods of recess. Part time (up to 20 hours/week) when school is in session, full time during periods of recess. Prior permission must be obtained from ISS.
Off Campus Employment Optional Practical Training (OPT)- up to 12 month period per degree level of training directly related to their studies. No job offer required prior to application.

 

OPT STEM Extension- additional 24 month period after approved OPT period. Employment must be directly related to earned STEM degree. Employment offer and training plan with E-verify employer required.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)- training during your studies that is directly related to the program of study and tied to a credit-bearing course (or required of the declared degree program.)

 Academic Training – Duration equal to length of study or 18 months whichever is shorter.  PhD students eligible for up to 36 months. Graduating students must have job offer within 30 days of graduation. Employment experience must be directly related to the program of study.
Dependents F-2 dependents are not eligible for employment.  

 

F-2 dependents may not engage in a full course of study but are allowed to study part time. 

F-2 child may engage in full-time study in any elementary or secondary school (K-12).

For more information, please see

J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to USCIS for permission to work in the US after their arrival and must renew permission annually.

 

J-2 dependents are allowed to study part time or full time.

J-2 child may engage in full-time study in any elementary or secondary school (K-12).

For more information, please see

Requirement to Return Home upon program completion Non-immigrant intent visa; must prove strong ties to the home country. No requirement to return home upon program completion. Non-immigrant intent visa; must prove strong ties to the home country. Some Exchange Visitors and their dependents may be subject to the two year home country physical presence requirement upon program completion.
Change to Another Visa Status Not eligible to change to F status in the United States if you are subject to two year home country physical presence requirement if you wish to change status in the US
Change of Major (Program of Study) No restrictions Program objective must remain consistent.
Change of Education Level No restrictions Cannot move from non-degree to degree-seeking, or vice versa.

 

Cannot change to lower degree level (i.e. PhD to Masters)
Transfer to Another US Institution No restrictions Program objective (field of study) must be consistent.
Bar to J-1 Scholar Status None J-1 students completing an academic program will be subject to a 12 month wait before they are able to use the J-1 research scholar/professor category.