Comparing the F-1 (Form I-20) and J-1 (Form DS-2019)

Both F-1 and J-1 status require full-time enrollment (12 credit minimum for undergraduate students and 9 credit minimum for graduate students). If you are considering which status is right for you, please review the general information below. We always recommend speaking with an ISSO advisor before making a final decision.

F-1J-1
Student can be supported substantially by personal funds or family funds

51% of financial support must be non-personal or family funds

Examples: At least 51% funded by:

  • United States Government
  • Home Country Government
  • International Organization
  • UMass Lowell
On-campus employment is allowed 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during scheduled academic breaks (winter break, spring break, summer break). While ISSO approval is not required, students should still ensure that their employment is deemed on-campus to avoid potential violations of status.All on-campus employment must receive approval from DSO and reported to SEVIS record. If eligible for on-campus employment, student may only work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks (winter break, spring break, summer break).

F-1 students have two types of off-campus employment authorizations they may be eligible to apply for:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - Authorization to participate in internships/off-campus experiences that are integral to area of study.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Authorization to participate in employment that is directly in field of study before or after completing degree. No job offer required to apply. Maximum one year authorization.

24-Month STEM Extension of OPT - STEM degrees only; Two year extension of Post-OPT for STEM eligible majors.

J-1 students may be eligible to apply for Academic Training (AT) to work in their field of study. Maximum 18 months duration. If Doctoral student, an additional 18 months may be granted. AT can be used prior to or after completion of degree. AT can only be authorized with a job offer.  

F-2 Dependents:

  • No US work authorization
  • May enroll in part-time study at an SEVP accredited institution

J-2 Dependents:

  • May be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) via USCIS
  • May engage in full or part-time study
F-1 students are not subject to Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement

The J student category may subject the participant to a Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement upon completion of their J-1 program.

If J student is subjected to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement, they will either need to return home for two years at the completion of their degree program or obtain a waiver of this requirement from both their home country and the US government before being eligible to apply for US permanent residency and H-1B work visa status. A waiver of this requirement is not guaranteed.