1. F-1 vs J-1 vs M-1 Keeping it all straight
Sean Milton, Northern Arizona University
Felicia Welch, Arizona State University - West
Sherri Harwood, Airline Training Center of AZ
Intros – Context of experience, populations at our schools

2. Why this session? Who’s here today? Sean - Rationale of the session.
Felicia – Raise of hand (F-1 populations? J-1 populations? Both?) Quick overview of attendees

3. Similarities
All three programs are intended to bring students to the U.S.
All use SEVIS to monitor these students (and other visitors, for J-1)
All require certain kinds of documentation
Similar regulations about course enrollments etc., for students
All three must apply for visa at a U.S. post abroad, or for a change of status in the U.S.
All are non-immigrant categories
Sean – first 2
Felicia – second 2
Sherri – last 2

4. Overarching differences
Degree (academic objective) or language training
Administered by DHS (‘Security’ focus)
J-1:
Exchange Visitors participating full-time in approved exchange programs
Many categories of EVs, not just students
Administered by DOS (‘State diplomacy’ focus)
RO and AROs must undergo criminal background check
No less than 5 EVs per calendar year
Sponsor must verify English language proficiency
Reciprocity of exchanges
Cross-cultural activities
Annual report
M-1:
Vocational programs, and flight schools = specific educational objective (vocational in nature)
Administered by DHS
Sean F-1
Felicia J-1
Sherri M-1

5. Differences in SEVIS and terminology
SEVIS interface looks completely different
Terminology is different:
‘School’ vs. ‘Program’
‘Students’ vs. ‘Exchange Visitors’ (with categories)
‘Registration’ vs ‘Validation’
J-1: DS-2019 may be issued by government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector not-for-profit and for-profit entities
F-1 and M-1 students must be registered every semester, J-1 EVs must be validated only once
Sherri – points 1 and 2
Felicia – points 3 and 4

6. Differences in the documents
F-1 and M-1:
I-20 is 3-page doc, with authorizations on p.3
I-20 signed only by DSO, and student
J-1:
Major field isn’t on the DS-2019, just the CIP code
DS-2019 is a single page, including authorizations
DS-2019 signed by RO/ARO, student, and visa issuing officer
DS-2019 has ‘site of activity’
DS-2019 issued by allotments through SEVIS
Sherri/Sean – F-1 and M-1
Felicia – J-1

7. Differences in Regulations – Funding, Insurance, other requirements
F-1: Funding can be from student, family, or any source or any combination of sources. Funding documentation needed for first year.
J-1: Funding source may come from program sponsor, US government agency, international organization, EVs home government, binational commission or EVs personal funds.’ Proof of funding must be for the entire length of the program.
J-1: Medical insurance with specific minimum coverage required; Dependents must also be covered; Must track compliance; New $ amounts go into effect May 15, 2015.
J-1: As of January 5th EVs must report telephone number and address in addition to reporting their physical and mailing address
M-1: Funding can be from any source. Documentation needed for entire length of program.
Sean – F-1
Felicia – J-1
Sherri – M-1

8. Differences in Regulation - Employment
Visa Type
On Campus Employment
Practical Training
Work Authorization
F- 1
Yes
Curricular (CPT) and Pre & Post Optional (OPT)
Approved Pre & Post OPT
Economic Hardship
F-2 No
J-1
Academic Training for length of time activity or up to 18 months, whichever is lesser
Student- Econ hardship
Scholar/Prof - Occasional lect/short term consulting
J-2
Yes with US work authorization from USCIS
M-1
Post OPT
1 month for every month of study; Not to exceed
6 months
Approved Post OPT
Must file I-539 extension request as well
Sean – F-1
Felicia – J-1
Sherri – M-1

9. Differences in Regulations - Miscellaneous
GRACE PERIOD:
F-1 60 days
J-1 30 days
M-1 30 days
Course enrollment: Although rules are similar for F-1 and J-1 students about a full course of study, RCLs must be authorized in SEVIS for F-1 or M-1, not for J-1s
STUDY:
F-2 dependents cannot study except incidental to status, except K-12
J-2 dependents can study, full or part-time
M-2 dependents cannot study except incidental to status, except K-12
Sean – Grace Period
Felicia – Course enrollment
Sherri - Study

10. Differences in Regulations - Miscellaneous
J-1 2-year home residency requirement
M-1 visas only for one year (extendable) or duration of the program plus 30 days
M-1s ineligible to change status in the U.S.
RCLs for M-1 only for medical reasons, and only for 5 months aggregate
M-1s can only transfer programs in the first 6 months of program, and limited to same educational objective
M-1 extension and transfer requests require adjudication
Travel validation signature protocol
Felicia – J-1
Sherri – M-1
Felicia – Travel validation protocol

11. Advice Keep your F-1 and J-1 processes as similar as possible
Use F-1 processes to ‘fill in the gaps’ when there is too much of a gray J-1 area
Use your J-1 discretion wisely
Of course document everything and be consistent
Be aware of the underlying differences in each program’s establishment that underlie the practices and regulations
Sean
Felicia
Sherri

12. Resources
visas/differences-between-f1-and-j1-visa/
for-designated-school-officials
NAFSA Adviser’s Manual

13. Thank you! Sean Milton, sean.milton@nau.edu
Felicia Smith-Welch,
Sherri Harwood,