International Student and Scholar Services

Comparing F-1 and J-1 Student Visas

Almost all international students will attend Brown as F-1 students, but some may obtain J-1 student status. Read further to understand the differences.

F-1 versus J-1 Student Visas

Brown University directly sponsors international students using two different types of visa, the F-1 student visa and the J-1 exchange visitor visa. Here is some information to help you understand the differences and decide which is right for you.

Almost all international students come to Brown in F-1 student status. The J-1 visa is limited to exchange students or students who are supported substantially through U.S. government, home government, or university scholarships. Brown issues documents for F-1 student status unless you specifically request J-1 status. To make a request, send an email to isss@brown.edu.
Both F-1 and J-1 visas are non-immigrant visas. This means that no matter which visa you hold, you are expected to maintain ties and return to your home country after finishing your studies. Any evidence that you intend to stay in the U.S. on a long-term basis may lead to your visa being denied.
Both visas require full-time study. Part-time study is permitted only in specific situations and only with the permission of ISSS (or your J-1 sponsor).

Here is a more detailed comparison:

	F-1 Student Visa (Most Common)	J-1 Student Visa (Less Common)
Visa Certificate	Form I-20, issued by ISSS for Brown	Form D-2019, issued by ISSS or a separate J-1 sponsor (e.g., Fulbright)
Funding / Program Requirement	Any funding source permitted	Primary source of funding must be U.S. government, home government, or institutional funding; OR the student must be participating in a formal exchange or student intern program
Entry Period	Permits entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to start of program	Permits entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to start of program
Employment	On-campus permitted immediately up to 20 hours per week during school year; full-time allowed during vacations and school breaks	On-campus permitted up to 20 hours per week during school year; full-time allowed during vacations; must be authorized in writing by ISSS or your J-1 sponsor
Health Insurance	Required per Brown University policy	Required per J-1 visa regulations; insurance plan must be J-1 visa compliant
Training Benefits	Benefits may include Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM Extension OPT for certain majors; OPT requires application to USCIS	Up to 18 months of Academic Training related to field of study PhD students are eligible for an additional 18 months of post-completion Academic Training, up to 36 months total Academic Training is approved by J-1 sponsor
Grace Period for Departure	Up to 60 days to depart U.S. following completion of program, or to transfer to another school, or to change to another status	Up to 30 days to depart U.S. following completion of program
Home Residence Requirement	Not applicable (N/A)	Some but not all J-1 students may be subject to Section 212(e) home country residence requirement; if subject, J-2 dependents are also subject
Bars on Future Return	Not applicable (N/A)	Some J-1 students may be subject to a 12-month bar on future participation as a J-1 research scholar or professor
Dependents	F-2 legal spouse and/or unmarried children under 21 F-2 dependents may study in K-12 education; part-time study only permitted at the college / university level No U.S. work authorization available	J-2 legal spouse and/or unmarried children under 21 J-2 dependents may study full- or part-time depending on personal decision J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for U.S. work permits after arrival in J-2 status

Already in the U.S. with a Different Type of Visa?

If you are already in the U.S. with a different type of visa (e.g., H-4, J-2, E-3, etc.), we recommend that you contact your school's designated ISSS advisor for more information. Brown does not require you to have F-1 or J-1 status, but you are responsible for making sure that your status allows you to study. Also, keep in mind the following restrictions:

In most cases, children on dependent visas (e.g., J-2, H-4) lose dependent status when they turn 21 or get married, whichever comes first
B-1 / B-2 visitors are not permitted to enroll in courses or engage in academic study
Many dependent visas (e.g., F-2) do not allow employment, while others may in specific situations
F-2 dependents of F-1 students are not permitted to study at the college / university level on a full-time basis; only part-time study is permitted