The following is a comparison of general information between use of the F-1 student and J-1 student visas. Potential visa holders should weigh the differences carefully as each one has advantages and disadvantages. For more information contact International Student Services at the University of Wyoming (uwglobal@uwyo.edu)
| TOPIC | F-1 | J-1 |
| Eligibility Restrictions | None | Student cannot be self-funded unless in an exchange program pursuant to a formal written agreement between educational institutions or governments offices. |
| On-campus Employment | Available to full-time students in good academic standing for up to 20 hours per week and 40 hours during annual UW holidays/vacations | Available to full-time students in good academic standing for up to 20 hours per week and 40 hours during annual UW holidays/vacations |
| Off-campus Employment | Yes; can be authorized for unforeseen financial hardship, CPT or OPT by USCIS. | Yes, students can be authorized for unforeseen financial hardship or Academic Training by Responsible Officer. |
| Practical/Academic Training Types | 1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT); 2. Optional Practical Training (OPT). | Optional or Required Academic Training may take place before or after graduation. |
| Time Limits | CPT: None, except if you use more than 12 months of full-time CPT, you lose your eligibility for any OPT. OPT: 12 months maximum. STEM majors are eligible for an additional 17 months. |
In general, the period of Academic Training may not exceed 18 months or the amount of time spent in the academic program, whichever is less. Part-time Academic Training is the same as Full-time Academic Training. |
| Requirement of Job Offer? | CPT: Yes. OPT: No | Pre & Post-completion Academic Training: Yes. |
| Authorization from USCIS? | CPT: No, authorization is obtained from ISS; OPT: Yes, authorization is required before student may begin work. Authorization takes about 3 months. | Authorization is obtained from ISS. |
| Possibility of Changing Visa Status | Yes, fairly easily. | Depends, may be problematic for students subject to the 2-year home residency requirement (212e). |
| Work Authorization for Spouses | None possible. | Yes, with evidence that salary will not be needed to fund stay and it requires USCIS approval first which can take several months. |
| Can Spouse Take Classes? | Part-time only if for avocational or recreational purposes. No academic course work possible. | Currently, yes. |
| Insurance Requirement per Visa Status? | UW requires all international students to carry international student health insurance. This isn't a federal requirement nor does the UW requirement apply to spouses & dependents although it is HIGHLY recommended. | Federal Requirement for all J-1 visa holders and dependents. Willful failure to comply will result in termination of program. |
| Permissions to Stay in U.S. after Completion. | 60 days granted automatically. | 30 days granted automatically. |
