F-1 is the most common visa status used by students in the U.S. and best fits a student's situation. Most international students at UC Berkeley have F-1 status. See F-1 Immigration Regulations to find out more about the benefits and restrictions of F-1 status. J-1 visa status 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. The U.S. Department of State also requires specific health insurance coverage for J-1 students and accompanying J-2 dependents for the entirety of their stay in the U.S. See J-1 Immigration Matters to learn more about the benefits and restrictions of the J-1 student status. To be eligible for J-1 status, students must meet the following criteria: OR
Must show financial support for the entire length of program when requesting the initial document. Any source of financial support is acceptable. Must show financial support for the first year of the program when requesting the initial document. Off-campus employment requires a work permit from Berkeley International Office and/or USCIS. During your program, Curricular Practical Training permission is available for off campus jobs/internships related to your course of study. Post-degree Optional Practical Training employment permission is
available for a 12-month period. A job offer is not required for 12-Month OPT. An OPT extension for an additional 24 months is possible for certain STEM majors. J-2 dependent (spouse, child) work permission is available, but not guaranteed. Income from the 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 primary status holder. J-1 and J-2 dependents may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement J-1 and J-2 dependents may also be subject to the 12-Month Bar depending on the length of the J program. Note that the Two-Year Home Country
Physical Presence Requirement and 12-Month Bar are separate rules. No Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. No 12-Month Bar. F-2 spouses and children may enroll in academic programs for less than a full course of study at an SEVP-approved school. (Check with the school and their international office to be sure enrollment is less than full-time.) F-2 spouses and children may participate in studies that are "avocational or recreational in nature" (i.e., non-academic hobbies and
recreational studies) up to and including full-time. F-2 children may attend full-time elementary or secondary school (kindergarten-12th grade). Other Nonimmigrant ClassificationsNew 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. Students in F-2 and B1/B2 status are not allowed to study full-time at Berkeley and must speak to a Berkeley International Office adviser about changing status. See more information under Other Visa Classifications. Questions About Your StatusContact 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) website. |