• F-1: Student Visa
• J-1: Exchange Program Visa

Qualifications:
An F-1 visa is a student visa granted to applicants who want to pursue a full course of academic study at a U.S. college, university, high school, primary or elementary school. 

A dependent child or spouse of a F-1 visa holder is considered a F-2 nonimmigrant when accompanying the F-1 visa holder into the U.S.

Requirements:
1.They have been accepted by an approved school in the United States, as evidenced by the certificate of eligibility (Form I-20A-B), signed by the applicant; 

2.Possess sufficient funds or have made other arrangements to cover expenses; 

3.Have sufficient scholastic preparation and knowledge of the English language to pursue a full course of study, or if the student's knowledge of English is inadequate, the approved school has accepted him or her for a study in a language with which the student is familiar, or has made special tutoring arrangements that are adequate to enable the student to pursue a full course of study.

Employment Regulations for F-1 Students:

• On-campus employment:  An F-1 student may engage in on-campus employment without obtaining specific permission from the INS if the student is engaged in a full course of study and the employment will not displace a U.S. resident based on the following guidelines: 

1.The on-campus employment must be performed on the school's premises or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school and is an integral part of the school's educational program; 
2.The on-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session and full time when school is not in session as long as the student maintains status;  and 
 3.Authorization for employment may continue for the duration of the student's F-1 status. 

• Pilot program employment:  To be eligible for this program, an F-1 student must: 

1.Be in good academic standing; 
2.Have been an F-1 status for one academic year; and 3.Demonstrate that accepting employment will not interfere with her or his ability to carry a full course of study. 
 
• Off-campus employment: due to severe economic hardship   An F-1 student may be authorized for off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship under the following conditions: 

1.The student must be in good academic standing for at least one academic year and must be carrying a full course of study;
2.The student cannot work more than 20 hours a week when school is in session, but can work full time during holidays or school vacations;
3.Cases which would be considered include: 
• Loss of financial aid; 
• Loss of on-campus employment; 
• Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate; 
• Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs; 
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other unexpected and substantial expenses. 

International organization internships:  An F-1 student may request employment authorization as an Intern with an International Organization. 
 
• Curricular practical training:  Programs that are an integral part of an established curriculum. The training must be either: 
• An alternate work-study; 
• An internship; 
• Cooperative education, or 

Any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by a sponsoring employer through a cooperative agreement with the school. 
An F-1 student must satisfy two general qualifications:
1.Lawful enrollment on a full-time basis in a Service approved college, university, conservatory, or seminary for at least nine consecutive months; and 
2.Request for authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to the student's major field of study. 
 
• Optional practical training: This type of training refers to practical training in two time periods 

1.Before the completion of the student's course of study; and 
2.After completion of degree requirements or the course of study.

This type of training may be authorized in the following situations: 

• During vacation periods when the school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled, and intends to register for the next term or session; 
• While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week; 
• After completion of all requirements for the degree; 
• After completion of the course of study (within 14 months). 


The general qualifications are the same as for curricular practical training. This type of training may only be authorized in an occupation directly related to the student's major area of study.  Optional practical training after completion of studies is authorized for up to 12 months, to take affect after the student has completed his or her course of study. 

Duration of Visa:
F-1 students are admitted for duration of status and are required to maintain a valid passport at all times for at least six months beyond the expiration of the status. Duration of status is defined as the time necessary to pursue a full course of study at any educational level in the same school as stated on the I-20 form, plus any authorized practical training, and plus 60 days thereafter.

Qualifications:
A J-1 visa is issued to applicants who have been accepted to participate in exchange visitor programs designated by the United States Information Agency ("USIA"). This may include students, scholars, trainees, teachers, professors, specialists, foreign medical graduates, international visitors, government visitors, camp counselors, au pairs, and participants in summer travel/work programs.

A dependent child or spouse of a J-1 visa holder is considered a J-2 nonimmigrant when accompanying the J-1 visa holder into the U.S.

Requirements:
An applicant for a J-1 Visa need only to have been accepted into a designated exchange program evidenced by Form IAP-66 issued by the program sponsor. With this form the visa applicant may apply for the visa. 

Duration of Visa:
The validity of the J-1 visa depends on the exchange program that the applicant participates in. Generally the J-1 visa is issued for the duration of the exchange program. The maximum allowable periods of stay for each category are: 

• College and University Students: Duration of course of study for those in a degree program; limit of 24 month for those in a non-degree program. Eighteen months of academic training are also allowed (36 months for those in post-doctoral programs).
• Professors and Research Scholars: Three years.
• Trainees: Eighteen months, 24 months for those coming for flight training. 
• Short-term scholars: Four months. 
• Specialists: One year.
• Foreign medical graduates: length of program, up to a maximum of seven years.
• International visitors: One year.
• Government visitors: Eighteen months.
• Teachers: Three years.
• Secondary school students: One year. 
• Camp counselor: Four months.
• Au pairs: One year.