F-1
J-1
Source of funding
F-1 status requires that students demonstrate proof of funding for their first year of study before obtaining an initial I-20. Students may display various forms of funding. Must also show financial support for any accompanying F-2 dependents.
J-1 status requires that students demonstrate funding for the entirety of their program of study before obtaining DS-2019. Students should display significant financial support from a government or institutional entity (at least 51%). Must also show proof of funding for any accompanying J-2 dependents.
On-campus employment
F-1 status does not require students to have approval to work on campus.
J-1 status requires students to obtain sponsor approval to be employed on campus.
Off-campus employment
During the F-1 student's degree program, Curricular Practical Training is available for off campus internships related to the major field of study.
F-1 students are also eligible for 12 months of employment authorization, also known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), typically used following their program completion. An offer letter is not required at time of application.
An OPT extension for an additional 24 months is possible for certain STEM majors.
F-1 students are also eligible for 12 months of employment authorization, also known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), typically used following their program completion. An offer letter is not required at time of application.
An OPT extension for an additional 24 months is possible for certain STEM majors.
J-1 students are eligible for up to 18 months of academic training. Some J-1 students may be eligible for an additional 18 months of academic training. Employment must be directly correlated to the program of study.
Employment for dependents
F-2 dependents are ineligible to obtain work on or off campus.
J-2 dependents can be eligible to work upon arrival with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. J-2 dependents may not use income for the purpose of financially supporting J-1 students. Income can be used for travel, cultural exchange activities, or recreational activities.
Enrollment for dependents
F-2 dependents may attend a SEVP-certified institution less than full-time.
F-2 children may attend full-time elementary or secondary school (K-12).
F-2 children may attend full-time elementary or secondary school (K-12).
J-2 dependents are eligible to attend a SEVP-certified institution either full-time or part-time.
J-2 children may attend full-time elementary or secondary school (K-12).
J-2 children may attend full-time elementary or secondary school (K-12).
Requirement to return home upon program completion
The F-1 visa isn’t subject to the two-year home country requirement that some J-1 visa holders may be.
Some students may be subject to the two-year home country requirement that states that before obtaining a different visa such as H-1B, they must reside in the country that sponsored them after program completion. Typically those who receive funding, have graduate medical training or whose program of study is on the skills list are subject to the 2-year home country requirement.
Bar to Scholar status
Not applicable.
J-1 and J-2 dependents may also be subject to the 12-Month Bar depending on the length of the J program.
Insurance
ASU mandates that all F-1 international students have health insurance.
Federal law requires that J-1 students and their J-2 dependents have health insurance that meets specific requirements.
Grace period
Students have a 60-day grace period after the program completion date.
Exchange visitors have a 30-day grace period after the program completion date.