Student Visa Types — USC OIS

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Student Visa Types

What Is a Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport. For international students, the F-1 and J-1 visas are the primary categories. Usually, the F-1 visa is issued to students enrolled in full-time academic programs at accredited U.S. institutions, while the J-1 visa is for students participating in approved exchange programs. Both visas allow students to seek entry in order to study legally in the United States.

How to Read and Understand Your Visa

Please use the illustrated guide below to learn how to read your visa and ensure that all information is correct.

Additional Visa Information

[Graphic] Sample U.S. visa with numbered callouts identifying key fields, including the issuing post, name, passport number, issue and expiration dates, visa category, control number and machine-readable zone. The visa prominently states, “This is a sample MRV and is not valid for travel.”

Check that your name is spelled correctly. Both your given name and surname (family name) should match the names on the biometric page of your passport.
The U.S. embassy or consulate where your visa was issued.
This should match the sex on your passport.
Check that your date of birth is correct and matches the one on your passport.
The visa control number is generally not important for the average visa holder; it’s an internal tracking number used by the U.S. Department of State.
“R” indicates a regular passport, while “D” or “O” would be used for diplomatic or official passports, respectively.
This indicates the visa category and the purpose of your travel.
This red number is generally printed at the bottom right of newer visa documents and usually contains eight digits.
The last day you may use your visa to seek entry into the United States. It has nothing to do with how long you may stay in the United States.
The date the U.S. embassy or consulate issued your visa stamp.
This section may include additional information about your visa. For example, on a student visa, it will show your SEVIS number and your school’s name.
“M” means that you can seek entry into the United States multiple times. If there is a number here, you may apply for entry that many times. “S” stands for single entry.
Check that this number matches the number in your passport.

Common Student Visa Types

	F-1 Student Visa	J-1 Student Visa
Eligibility	The F-1 visa is the most common student visa type. It is issued to students who are admitted to a full-time academic or language program at a U.S. institution.	The J-1 visa is an exchange visitor visa type. It is issued to students who are admitted to a full-time academic or language program at a U.S. institution.
Document Provided by USC for Visa Application	The Graduate Admission office issues Form I-20s, the official three-page document that is endorsed by a Designated School Official, to admitted students. Once students receive their Form I-20, they can apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. For all questions regarding I-20 issuance, please contact the USC Graduate Admission office.	The Graduate Admission office issues Form DS-2019, the official two-page document that is endorsed by an Alternate Responsible Officer, to admitted students. Once students receive their Form DS-2019, they can apply for the J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. For all questions regarding DS-2019 issuance, please contact the USC Graduate Admission office.
Funding	Private (personal or family) or organization/government.	Must be majority-sponsored by an organization/government.
On-Campus Employment	Part time for 20 hours or fewer during the academic year; full time during holiday breaks.	Part time for 20 hours or fewer during the academic year; full time during holiday breaks.
Off-Campus Employment	May be eligible for Curricular Practical Training, pending approval from academic advisor. Eligible for 12-month post-graduation Optional Practical Training.	May be eligible for 18-36 months of Academic Training.
Dependents (Married Spouses and Children)	Cannot seek employment; eligible to pursue part-time study. Students who plan to have dependents accompany them during their studies must request a dependent Form I-20 from the USC Graduate Admission office.	Can apply for employment authorization; eligible to pursue full- or part-time study. Students who plan to have dependents accompany them during their studies must request a dependent Form DS-2019 from the USC Graduate Admission office.

Other Nonimmigrant Visa Types

It is possible to study in the United States with other visa categories. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program provides a list of which nonimmigrant visa types can participate in part-time or full-time studies in the United States.

Nonimmigrant Visa Types List

[Photo] Students sit in a tiered classroom with laptops, notebooks and water bottles while one student in the foreground gestures during a class discussion as others listen and take notes.

Student Visa Types — USC OIS