A Comparison of the F and J Visas

Students may apply either for an F visa or a J visa. To help you decide which visa you wish to apply for, here is a comparison of the two visas:

  1. Both employ the concept of "duration of status," which permits minimal administrative interruption in the academic program.
  2. J-1 students must be "substantially" funded by institutional or governmental sources (as opposed to personal or family funds). F-1 students may be totally funded by personal or family funds. Students with more than 50% funding from sources such as classical aid, government loans, scholarships, etc. are normally eligible for J-1 status. Students who desire J-1 status but have less than 50% institutional/governmental funding should consult with the Calvin Theological Seminary International Student Advisor.
  3. The F-1 duration of stay listed on the Form I-20 may be the entire length of time it takes to complete the degree program (e.g. 3 years for M.Div., 2 years for M.A., M.T.S., or Th.M.) even though funding is only documented for one year. The J-1 duration of stay listed on the Form DS-2019 is limited to the length of time for which funding can be documented. Prior to the completion date on the Form DS-2019, the Responsible Officer of Calvin Seminary must issue a new Form DS-2019 to extend the student's stay at the seminary. Since most classes and churches give student aid only on an annual basis, the Form DS-2019 for J-1 students would need to be reissued annually. The Form I-20 for F-1 students, on the other hand, would normally need to be issued only once.
  4. Both provide for employment for assistantships, for on-campus work, for employment required by or related to the curriculum and field education (called "academic training" for J-1 students and "practical training" for F-1 students). J-1 students must receive permission from school before working on campus. F-1 students do not need this permission.
  5. Academic training for a J-1 is limited to 18 months (36 months for postdoctoral training) and requires a job offer if being taken after completion of studies. Exceptions to the 18 month limitation are allowed if needed to satisfy the mandatory requirements of the degree program. F-1 students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for 9 consecutive months before they are eligible for practical training. The post-graduation F-1 practical training limit is 12 months, but no job offer is required for the awarding of post-completion practical training.
  6. The J-1 carries a health insurance requirement; the F-1 does not. But Calvin Seminary requires health insurance coverage comparable to that required for the J-1 for all students and their dependents. Therefore, the health insurance requirement is the same for all Calvin Seminary students.
  7. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for work permission in the United States; F-2 dependents are not. Income from the spouse's or dependent's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 student. The J-2 must apply for and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It usually takes several months to obtain such work authorization.
  8. Upon completion of their studies J students whose studies are financed in whole or in part by the U.S. government or their own government must return to their home country for two years before returning to the United States in immigrant or worker status. Note: Canadians are exempt from this ruling.
  9. With a J you must leave the USA 30 days after completion of your program (which is usually after graduation in May unless you must take a summer course to complete your program). With an F you must leave the USA 60 days after completion of your program.
  10. With both the F and J you may not enter the USA until 30 days before the begin date on your I-20 or DS-2019. This date will normally be the date your classes begin or, for international students (other than Canadians) the begin date for the orientation for international students.

  11. With both the F and J, new students must pay a $100 USA SEVIS fee. International students must pay before they go to the embassy or consulate to apply for their visa. They must have a receipt that they have paid this $100. with them when they have their visa appointment. Canadian students must pay the fee before they cross the border and take the receipt to the border when you enter the USA.

    Students will need to go to the Department of Homeland Security website, www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml and complete the I-901 form there and decide on what method of payment works best for you.

    Calvin Seminary's school code is DET 214F00289.000 and your SEVIS number is located in the top right hand corner of your I-20 or DS-2019.