VALENCIA
F and J Visa Comparison Chart
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F Student Visa Program Type/s
Student – Degree Seeking Student – Nondegree (Intensive English Program)
J Exchange Visitor Visa Student – Degree Student – Nondegree Short-Term Scholar Specialist Professor
Program Duration
No limits, but must be enrolled as a fulltime student in a degree program OR attend 18 hours per week in CGL’s Intensive English Program. The duration may be the entire length of time it takes to complete a degree or language program.
The duration is limited to the length of time for which funding can be documented. The maximum duration by designation is: Student – Degree: 36 months Student – Nondegree: 24 months Short-Term Scholar: 6 months Specialist: 1 year Professor: 5 years
Document to Obtain Visa
I-20
DS-2019
SEVIS Fee
$200
$180
Funding
Can come from any funding source.
Funding can come from any source when there is a written agreement between two educational institutions; otherwise, the participant must be substantially funded by a sponsoring agency or govenment.
Health Insurance
Must follow institutional requirements.
Required by Department of State.
Dependents
F-2 participants are permitted but cannot work.
J-2 participants are permitted and can work. Employment cannot subsidize the J-1 student’s program.
Entering the U.S.
Students cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20.
Students cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the DS 2019.
OPT vs. Internship
Must be enrolled on a full-time basis for an academic year in F-1 status, as defined by the college, before being eligible for occupational practical training (OPT). The limit is 12 months. No job offer is required.
Academic training must be directly related to the program goals and is limited to 18 months. It requires a documented job offer. Exceptions to the 18-month limitation are allowed if needed to satisfy the mandatory requirements of a degree program.
Returning Home
Students must leave the U.S. 60 days after completing their program. There is no two-year home stay requirement.
Participants must leave the U.S. 30 days after completing their program. Exchange Visitors who are subject to the 212 (e) rule must return to their home country (or last country of residence) for two years before becoming eligible for H, L or permanent resident status. Change of status while in the United States is not permitted for individuals under the 212(e) rule.