F‐1 and J‐1 Comparison | Temple University International Student and Scholar Services


	F‐1 STUDENT VISA	J‐1 EXCHANGE VISITOR VISA
ELIGIBILITY	All students are eligible for an F‐1 visa, as long as they have been admitted to a full‐time program of study, meet the English language requirement, unless they are coming for an English Language program, and can show proof of funding for at least the first year of study.	Eligible students are those who are supported substantially (at least 51%) through funding from the U.S. government, student’s home government, an international organization, the University, and possibly employer sponsorship.
DEPENDENTS (SPOUSE AND CHILDREN)	Eligible for an F‐2 visa. May enroll in academic programs for less than a full course of study and can also engage in part‐time study that is recreational in nature. F‐2 children may attend full‐time elementary or secondary school: kindergarten – 12th grade. Not eligible to apply for any work authorization in the U.S.	Eligible for a J‐2 visa. Eligible to study part‐time or full‐time in the U.S. May apply to USCIS for work authorization by demonstrating a need for supplemental support for self or children. Not eligible to obtain work permission to support the J‐1 student.
HEALTH INSURANCE	Federal regulations do not require F‐1 students and their F‐2 dependents to carry Health Insurance, but Temple University requires every enrolled student to have health insurance coverage.	Both J‐1 students and their J‐2 dependents are required to have comprehensive medical coverage that fulfils U.S. government regulations regarding the J Exchange Visitor status. The student medical insurance provided by Temple University covers all the requirements.
TWO-YEAR HOME COUNTRY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT	There is no home residency requirement following the completion of program.	Home residency requirement means that upon completion of the program, some students and J‐2 dependents must reside in their countries of legal permanent residence for 2 years before they are eligible for U.S. work visas (H or L) or an immigrant visa. Applies ONLY to those who receive funding from the U.S. or home country government, OR who are studying in fields which appear under the J‐1 Skills List Immediately eligible for on‐campus employment but requires prior authorization from the ISSS.
ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT	Immediately eligible for on‐campus employment and does not require prior authorization from the ISSS. Limited to 20 hours per week during an academic term but can be full‐time during holiday breaks.	Limited to 20 hours per week during an academic term but can be full‐time during holiday breaks. Must report employment with online form to ISSS.
OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT	Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Employment pursuant to an internship requirement or internship elective which is an integral part of the established curriculum of your degree program and is counted towards completion of your degree. Not all programs qualify. Eligible only after being in valid student status for one academic year. Requires an employment offer to apply. Requires an application to be submitted to the ISSS for review and authorization. Optional Practical Training (OPT): Eligible only after being in valid student status for one academic year. Eligible to work for up to 12 months per educational level with the possibility of extended OPT time in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).	Academic Training (AT): Employment which is considered integral to a student’s academic program. Eligible only after being in valid student status for one academic semester. Can be pursued both during and after the program of study. Time used during the program is deducted from time available after graduation. Eligible to apply for up to 18 months of AT depending on length of program.
GRACE PERIOD	60-day grace period following the completion of program or Optional Practical Training, to depart the U.S.	30-day grace period following the completion of program or Academic Training, to depart the U.S.
IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS	The US Department of State permits the emailing of I-20s.	The US Department of State now permits emailing of the DS-2019.