There are two full time student visa categories, F-1 and J-1. The majority of international students come into the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. However, some students have the option to enter on a J-1 student visa. A student may choose or be assigned a visa type based on their eligibility and their long term plans. Definitions for each type are outlined below.
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F-1 (Form I-20)
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J-1 (Form DS-2019)
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Eligibility
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No eligibility requirements on sources of funding |
- Must have a substantial portion of funding from a source other than personal. This funding might come from Kansas State University, the home institution or government or a sponsoring organization. Kansas State's definition of substantial is at least 50 percent.
OR
- Be participating in a written exchange agreement (i.e. exchange student)
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Off- Campus Employment
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- Curricular Practical Training
- Optional Practical Training
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Dependents
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Dependents (F-2s) are NOT eligible for employment and cannot enroll in classes to attain a degree or certification. Only recreational classes are allowed. |
Dependents (J-2s) are eligible to apply for permission to work in the U.S. through the duration of the J-1's stay. This permission is obtained through an application that is submitted to USCIS.
J-2s can enroll in classes either part-time or full-time.
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Home Residency Requirement
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No home residency requirement. |
Some Exchange Visitors and their dependents may be subject to what is called the "two-year home residency" requirement.
This "two-year home residency" requirement applies if the Exchange Visitor:
- Receives funding in whole or in part from the U.S. or their home country government; OR
- From a country where his/her specific skills are needed, as determined by the "Exchange Visitor Skills List" as determined by the Department of State; OR
- Is a medical doctor who came to the U.S. for advanced medical education or training
Those who are subject to this requirement may not change their status to another nonimmigrant classification within the U.S. (except to an A or G status). Also, they are NOT eligible to become permanent residents and CANNOT obtain an H-1B or L visa until they have lived in the country of last legal permanent residence for two years after completing their J-1 program or have been approved for a waiver.
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Grace Period
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Permitted to remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 60 days after successful completion of program/expiration of I-20 or expiration of any OPT (Optional Practical Training), whichever is later. |
Permitted to remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 30 days after expiration of DS-2019. This could be the completion of program or of AT (Academic Training). |
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Program Changes
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With F-1 status it is much easier to change majors or programs of study and go down a level of education (e.g. from PhD to Master's) if necessary. |
Changing majors/program of study or category is difficult. J's are only allowed to progress in level of education (i.e. from Master's to PhD). |
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Insurance Requirements
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Required by the Kansas Board of Regents to have health insurance coverage. |
Required by the Department of State (DoS) and the Kansas Board of Regents.
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