Types of US Student Visa

There are three types of student visa for US are F1, J1, and M1.

F1 Student Visa: F1 student visa, allows students to stay for a long time to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses.F1 student visa requires 18 hours of classes per week.

J1 Student Visa: J1 Student Visa is for students who participate in the student exchange program..

Difference Between F1 Visa & J1 Visa

F1 Visa

F1 Visa is for academic students pursuing a full-time course of study in the U.S.
Student must be enrolled in a full-time academic program at a U.S. institution.
F1 Visa is for the duration of the academic program, plus a 60-day grace period.
In F1 Visa, on-campus employment is allowed up to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during breaks. And off-campus employment is allowed with authorization during breaks.
Spouses and children can accompany on an F2 visa, but cannot work.
Student should prove sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, etc.
After completion of post graduation studies, 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) is allowed (may be extended for STEM graduates).
In F1 Visa not required to return to his/her home country after the program ends.
F1 Visa Application is processing is through U.S. embassy/consulate.
F1 visa holders may apply for a change of status to another non-immigrant visa or immigrant status

J1 visa

J1 Visa is for participants like students, scholars, interns etc in exchange programs.
This Visa must be accepted into a U.S. government-approved exchange program.
Duration varies with program type. It is up to 5 years for students and can be longer for other categories like scholars etc.
In this visa employment is allowed only if directly related to the exchange program like internships, research etc
In J1 Visa family members like Spouses and children can accompany them on a J2 visa; J2 visa holders may apply for work authorization in some cases.
In J1 Visa student must demonstrate financial support from the sponsor organization that can also include stipend or scholarships.
Student must return to the home country for at least 2 years under the 2-year home residency requirement.
J1 Visa, application through the U.S. embassy/consulate after being accepted into a designated exchange program.
J1 holders may apply for a change of status or extend their stay in some cases

Process of Getting an F1 Visa

Applying for the F1 student visa then below steps needs to follow.

* The US student visa’s first requirement into enroll and receive an offer letter from legitimate University i.e. in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) list.

* Once University accept your enrollment, then you are listed in the Sevis System and you will receive the (SEVP)Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students), also called the I-20 form.

*You need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee which is $350 and make sure that all the information entered on the form matches with your other related documents.

*Once you receive the SEVIS I-901 form i.e a receipt, and then you are eligible to fill up the DS-160 form. The DS-160 is an online F1 visa application form.

*After completing the US Visa application, you have to book your visa appointment. Prepare for visa interview and should reach the appointment center on time.

Process of Getting a J1 Student Visa

Student exchange programs help students receive monetary support from government bodies. Here is the J1 Visa application process:
Student you must be accepted into an accredited exchange program that is authorized by the U.S. Department of State.
Once student is accepted, then the sponsor organization will provide you with a DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).
After submitting the DS-2019 form, pay the SEVIS fee of $220 online and save the receipt and it will be submitted during the visa interview.
Complete the DS-160 form which is the online application for the J1 Visa USA. It requires personal, academic, and travel information, as well as details about your exchange program.
Book the Visa appointment,, you need to attend a visa interview. Student should be well prepared to discuss exchange program, plans after completing your program etc.

Rejection Reasons of the Student Visa J1 and F1