At WashU, students can choose between two immigration statuses for study, the F-1 student status and visa and the J-1 exchange visitor student category and visa.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) governs F-1 immigration status and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) governs J-1 status. Both student statuses require full-time, on-campus study. Most students choose the F-1 immigration status, as this is the standard student status. Below is information you may find helpful in determining which status is right for you based on eligibility and benefits. You need to make this choice before receiving an immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) from WashU.
F-1 vs. J-1
| F-1 student status | J-1 exchange visitor status | |
| Eligibility | Degree-seeking at WashU | One of the following must be true: At least 51% of funding comes from non-personal sources Sponsored by home government Sponsored by U.S. government Here on an approved WashU exchange program |
| Financial proof | 1 year of studies + same for eligible dependents | Entire length of program + same for eligible dependents |
| On-campus work | Up to 20 hours/week while school is in session or full-time during breaks | Must be pre-authorized for all work by OISS Up to 20 hours/week while school is in session or full-time during breaks |
| Off-campus work (during academic program) | Must be pre-authorized for all work by OISS Related to your field of study Completed at least 1 academic year before eligible Limits to full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) See Employment page for more information | Must be pre-authorized for all work by OISS Related to your field of study Eligible for up to 36 months of Academic Training (AT) based on length of academic program, level of study, and field of study See Employment page for more information |
| Off-campus work (after academic program) | Must be pre-authorized for all work by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Related to your field of study Completed at least 1 academic year Eligible for up to 36 months* of Optional Practical Training (OPT) based on field of study See Employment page for more information *STEM fields eligible for up to 36 months, non-STEM eligible for up to 12 months | Must be pre-authorized for all work by OISS Related to your field of study Eligible for up to 36 months* of AT See Employment page for more information *STEM fields and all Doctoral students may be eligible for up to 36 months, others eligible for up to 18 months or the total length of their academic program (whichever is shorter) |
| Dependents | F-2 status for eligible spouse and children Can enroll in K-12 or study part-time in higher education Cannot work See dependent page for more information | J-2 status for eligible spouse and children Can enroll in K-12 or study full-time in higher education Eligible to work, but must be pre-authorized for all work by USCIS See dependent page for more information |
| 212(e) | Not subject | May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residence requirement If subject, must return to home country for two years before becoming eligible for certain dual-intent or immigrant visa types See Two-Year Home Residence Requirement 212(e) page for more information |