Office of Global Engagement
International Student and Scholar Services

Comparing F-1 and J-1 Student Visas

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

Breadcrumb

F-1 versus J-1 Student Visas

When you start your journey as an international student, you'll need to decide which type of visa is right for you. The two most common student visas are the F-1 student visa and the J-1 exchange visitor visa. Here are some major similarities and differences:

  • Almost all international students have F-1 student status. The J-1 visa is limited to exchange students or students with U.S. government, home government, or university scholarships.
  • Both F-1 and J-1 visas are non-immigrant visas. This means that students are expected to maintain ties and return to their home country after finishing their studies.
  • 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 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 up to 30 days prior to start of program
  • Permits entry 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
  • 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
Training Benefits
  • Benefits include Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM Extension OPT for certain majors; OPT requires application to USCIS
  • Benefits may vary by program and degree type
  • Up to 18 months of Academic Training related to field of study
  • PhD students are eligible for an additional 18 months 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 change to another status
  • Up to 30 days to depart U.S. following completion of program
Home Residence Requirement
  • Not applicable (N/A)
Bars on Future Return
  • Not applicable (N/A)
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 to attend, but you are responsible for making sure that any status you hold permits you to study. Also, keep in mind the following restrictions:

  • In most cases, children on dependent visas (e.g., J-2, H-4) lose visa eligibility when they turn 21
  • B-1 / B-2 visitors are not permitted to 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