F-1 Student Visa - The following students eligible to be sponsored by UConn for an F-1 visa:

• Full-time matriculated students in approved degree/certificate programs
• Full-time ESL students

You will receive a Form I-20 to apply for your F-1 visa.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa - Only the following students are eligible to be sponsored by UConn for a J-1 visa:

• Exchange students who come to UConn under exchange agreements and through UConn Study Abroad Office
• Students who receive government funding sponsorship that requires study with a J-1 visa;
• Students who are currently in J-1 programs and eligible to transfer their SEVIS record to UConn

You will receive a Form DS-2019 to apply for your J-1 visa.

Source of Funding

No special funding source requirements. F-1 students can be funded through personal/family funding, UConn Scholarships or Assistantships, or independent scholarships.

A significant portion of funding must be from a source other than personal/family funding.

On-campus Employment

International students with F-1 visas may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year without obtaining special authorization from ISSS. F-1 students may work full-time during official vacation periods.

International students with J-1 visas may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, but must first obtain written authorization from your ISSS advisor before starting any work. J-1 students may work full-time during official vacation periods.

Off-Campus Employment

Curricular Practical Training F-1 visa benefit that allows for off-campus internships, clinical placements or other experiential learning.
Optional Practical Training F-1 visa benefit that allows for up to 12 months of work permission per degree level. All work must be in your major field. Students graduating with approved STEM majors may be eligible for 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Academic Training - J-1 visa benefit that may be used during studies or after studies end.  Academic training may be equal to length of study or 18 months, whichever is shorter. PhD students are eligible for up to 36 months of academic training. Students must have job offer within 30 days of degree completion.

Dependents

Dependents may apply for F-2 visa.  F-2 dependents are not eligible for employment.

Dependents may apply for J-2 visa. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to USCIS for permission to work in the U.S. after their arrival.

Special Requirements

No special completion requirements for F-1 visa holders.

Some J-1 students and J-2 dependents may be subject to the two year home country physical presence requirement (212 e) upon completing J program.

Considerations for J-1 Scholar Status

No bars or limitations.

J-1 students completing their degree will be subject to a 12-month bar before they can use the J-1 professor or research scholar category.