Study in the U.S. on a J-1
The J-1 College and University Student category lets international students study at a U.S. school, either toward a U.S. degree or for credits that count at their home school. It also covers student interns.
Who qualifies
- Funding: the student must be substantially funded by a source other than personal or family money, such as the U.S. government, the home government, a scholarship organization, or a formal exchange agreement between schools.
- Degree students can stay as long as they keep studying full time and make progress.
- Non-degree students can stay up to 24 months.
- Student interns can stay up to 12 months.
Work. J-1 students may work part time on campus, or off campus with the sponsor's written approval, while in good academic standing. Academic training related to your field may be allowed with Responsible Officer approval.
Sponsors. The sponsor checks each student's background, confirms the home school will accept the credits, and monitors progress. Sponsors that don't meet these duties can lose their designation, so they audit participants regularly. Not keeping required health insurance is a common reason a J-1 student's program is ended early. Find sponsors through the State Department's sponsor search.
Insurance. J-1 students must carry health insurance that meets federal minimums and their school's rules. Read J1 Visa Insurance, compare plans, or contact TaiAn.