Deciding on F-1 or J-1 Status
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The first step in the new student journey is deciding on the appropriate immigration status.
Eligibility Requirements
Click on the boxes below to learn about the eligibility requirements for acquiring F-1 and J-1 status at Penn.
Which status does ISSS recommend: F-1 or J-1?
Neither Penn nor ISSS recommends any specific status. We will process the document you request as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
F-1 Status Eligibility
F-1 is the most common visa status used by students in the U.S. All non-immigrant students are eligible to apply for F-1 status.
Additional Resources
J-1 Status Eligibility
Only students who meet ONE of the following criteria are eligible to apply for J-1 status:
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Full-time, degree-seeking students with a non-personal funding source that pays for 51% or higher of the total cost of your study at Penn (e.g. scholarship, fellowship, grant, or assistantship). Common non-personal sources include Penn, Rotary Foundation, home government, US government, international organizations (US must be a member by treaty or statute), and corporate sponsors.
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Exchange students coming to campus through a Penn Abroad program.
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Students in an exchange program carried out pursuant to an agreement between the US Government and a foreign government.
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Students in an exchange program carried out pursuant to a written agreement between: American and foreign educational institutions; American educational institution and a foreign government; OR US State or local government and a foreign government.
Note: Students are not eligible for J-1 status if their program has a clinical component.
Additional Resources
F-1 Status Eligibility
F-1 is the most common visa status used by students in the U.S. All non-immigrant students are eligible to apply for F-1 status.
Additional Resources
J-1 Status Eligibility
Only students who meet ONE of the following criteria are eligible to apply for J-1 status:
-
Full-time, degree-seeking students with a non-personal funding source that pays for 51% or higher of the total cost of your study at Penn (e.g. scholarship, fellowship, grant, or assistantship). Common non-personal sources include Penn, Rotary Foundation, home government, US government, international organizations (US must be a member by treaty or statute), and corporate sponsors.
-
Exchange students coming to campus through a Penn Abroad program.
-
Students in an exchange program carried out pursuant to an agreement between the US Government and a foreign government.
-
Students in an exchange program carried out pursuant to a written agreement between: American and foreign educational institutions; American educational institution and a foreign government; OR US State or local government and a foreign government.
Note: Students are not eligible for J-1 status if their program has a clinical component.
Additional Resources
|
Area |
F-1 Status |
J-1 Status |
|
Off-Campus Employment |
If eligible, students may have the option of Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). |
If eligible, students may have the option of Academic Training. For non-degree and exchange students: work authorization may be granted for up to the length of the program. |
|
Major of Study |
May change or add additional major(s) while at Penn |
J-1 student are generally not eligible to change their major while in the U.S. |
|
212 (e) Two-Year Home Residency Requirement |
Not subject to this requirement |
May be subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement if the J-1 study is funded by the student’s home or US government OR their field of study is in high demand in their home country, per the Skills List If subject, students will not be able to change status within the US; obtain an H-1 temporary work visa, L-1 intracompany transferee visa or US permanent residence. UNLESS: 2 years are spent in their home country after the end of their J-1 program OR they obtain a waiver of this requirement. |
|
Health Insurance Requirements |
Not required by immigration regulations, however Penn requires that all students have comprehensive medical insurance |
Mandatory medical insurance which must meet minimum requirements set by J-1 regulations |
|
Dependents (study/work) |
F-2 dependents may only study part-time in the US. F-2 dependents are NOT eligible to work in the US. |
J-2 dependents may study part-time or full-time in the US. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization from USCIS to work in the US. |
