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The most common student visa is the F-1, though
a small number of students travel to the United States on
an M-1 visa if they are completing a program of hands-on technical
or vocational training, or on a J-1 visa if they are on a
sponsored exchange program.
It is important to understand the differences between the
types of visas available to students before you apply for
yours. The F-1 visa category is the most common student visa
type and is designated for undergraduate and graduate students
in academic and language study programs. The J-1 category
is for graduate or exchange students, teachers, scholars,
and researchers who come to the United States under educational
exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program. J-1 students
must be financed, at least partially, either by the U.S. government
or their home government, or by the U.S. institution that
they will attend. They may also be part of an exchange program.
One advantage of the J-1 visa for married students is that
it allows spouses (J-2 dependents) to apply for work authorization
after they arrive in the United States. The F-1 does not allow
F-2 dependents to work. F-2 or J-2 dependents may study full-time
or part-time.
Your tax obligations to the United States government should
not be affected by your choice of either the F-1 or J-1 visa.
However, you may find some differences in health insurance
requirements. Also, if you are traveling on a J-1 visa, a
"two-year rule" may apply. This means that after
you have finished your studies, you will be required to spend
two years back in your home country before you can become
eligible for immigrant status in the United States, or for
long-term employment as a nonimmigrant.
For more details on F-1 and J-1 visas, contact your nearest
U.S. educational information or advising center, check with
the International Student Office at your U.S. institution,
or visit http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.
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