Most full-time, degree-seeking international students at SNC hold F-1 student visa status.
Some students may also qualify for the J-1 student visa, which is an exchange visitor category sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 program is designed to promote cultural and educational exchange between the United States and other countries.
There are several key differences between F-1 and J-1 visa types, which are outlined below.
|
Visa Type |
F-1 |
J-1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Source of Funding |
No funding source requirements. Can be funded through personal, SNC scholarships, or independent scholarships. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding to cover one year’s tuition and living expenses. |
At least 51% of your financial support must come from a source other than personal or family funds, such as: St. Norbert College funding or a government, institutional, or organizational scholarship. Students funded entirely by personal or family resources are not eligible for J-1 status. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding to cover the length of the program of study. |
|
Dependents |
F-2 dependents are not eligible for employment. F-2 dependents may not engage in a full course of study but are allowed to study part time. F-2 child may engage in full-time study in any elementary or secondary school (K-12). |
J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to USCIS for permission to work in the U.S. after their arrival. |
|
On-Campus Employment |
Up to 20 hours/week when school is in session. Up to 40 hours/week during official school breaks (spring/summer/winter.) |
Part-time (up to 20 hours/week) when school is in session, full-time during breaks. Prior permission must be obtained from the CGE. |
|
Off-Campus Employment |
Optional Practical Training (OPT)- up to 12 month period per degree level of training directly related to their studies. No job offer required prior to application. |
Academic Training – Duration equal to length of study or 18 months whichever is shorter. |
| Change of Major (Program of Study) | No restrictions. | Program objective must remain consistent. |
| Change of Education Level | No restrictions. | Cannot move from non-degree to degree-seeking. |
| Transfer to Another U.S. Institution | No restrictions. | Program objective (field of study) must be consistent. |
| Requirement to Return Home Upon Program Completion | No requirement to return home upon program completion. | Some Exchange Visitors may be subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement upon program completion. |
| J-1 Scholar Status Bar | None. | J-1 students completing an academic program will be subject to a 12 month wait before they are able to use the J-1 research scholar/professor category. |
