Want to study in the USA? Do you need an F1 Visa? Let us find out.
One of the main reasons people move to the USA is to give their children better opportunities and improved quality of life. Many people move with education as their sole reason.
While some students immigrate for under-graduate and post-graduate studies, others move during their school years. The common perception is that all immigrant students need the F1 visa but this is not necessarily true.
What is an F1 visa?
The F1 visa is designed for immigrant students enrolled in a full course at an accredited university. IT is applicable for under-graduate and post-graduate studies.
This visa allows the individual to study the course of choice and gives them the option to find temporary employment under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
Visa for School Students
Dependents of immigrants in the USA who want to attend local schools do not need the visa. Instead, they can enroll in American schools with the J2 visa.
What is a J2 visa?
The J2 visa is also known as the J1 student visa. This is a non-immigrant visa granted to the unmarried children (under the age of 21 years) of j1 visa holders. People who qualify for a J1 visa include:
- Secondary School Student
- College or University Student
- Short-Term Scholar
- Au Pair
- Intern
- Government Visitor
- International Visitor
- Professor and Research Scholar
- Specialist
- Physician
- Summer Work Travel
- Trainee
- Teacher
F1 vs J2 Visa
One of the main differences between the F1 and J2 visas is that the latter is dependent on the main applicant’s visa status. In the case of the F1, the individual is considered the main applicant.
However, the J2 visa is a visa granted to dependents of J1 visa holders. The visa holder’s right to study and work in the USA is dependent on the main J1 visa holder’s status.