F-1 Status
The F-1 is the most common status used by students in the U.S. and best fits a student's situation. Most international student at UC Berkeley have the F-1 status. See
F-1 Immigration Matters to find out more about the benefits and restrictions of the F-1 status.
J-1 Status
The J-1 visa is generally used for students in specific educational exchange programs such as the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP), Fulbright, LASPAU, DAAD, AmidEast, or others. It may also be used by the University for students in degree programs. To be eligible for a J-1, students must receive a majority of their financial support from sources other than personal funds. See J-1 Immigration Matters to learn more about the benefits and restrictions of the J-1 student status. To be eligible for the J-1 you must first meet the following criteria:
- Have adequate financial support for all of your school and living expenses, including additional financial support for any accompanying family members, AND
- 51% of your financial support comes from an institutional sponsor in the form of a scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, stipend, tuition waiver, or other direct support provided specifically for the educational program. Personal or family funds do not qualify. Loans or support from individuals do not qualify.
OR
- You are participating in a specific educational exchange program (see above).
OR
- You have central government funding and you are required by that government to be on a J-1.
Comparison Between the J-1 and F-1 Status
J-1 |
F-1 |
Must have substantial institutional financial support provided specifically for the educational program. |
Any source of financial support is acceptable. |
Any employment on- or off-campus requires a work permit from the program sponsor. |
On-campus employment does not require a work permit. |
Post-degree Academic Training (employment) is available for up to 18 months, but you must have a job offer prior to the end of end of studies. An extension for up to 18 months is possible for post-doctoral research. |
Post-degree Optional Practical Traninng (employment) available for 12 month period (an extension for 17 months is possible for certain STEM majors). A job offer is not required. |
J-2 dependent (spouse, child) work permission is available. |
F-2 dependents (spouse, child) are not eligible for any work permit. |
J-1 and J-2 dependents may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement |
No Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence requirement. |
Other Nonimmigrant Classifications
New students may already be in the U.S. with another type of nonimmigrant status. Some of these classifications allow you to attend school and some do not. See more information under Other Visa Classifications.
Questions About Your Status
Contact an adviser at Berkeley International Office if you have any questions about your current or future immigration status. If you think you may need to change status, talk to a Berkeley International Office Adviser before you complete the NIF.
For more information about various types of nonimmigrant status, visit the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Service (USCIS) web site.