F-1 or J-1: Selection of Visa Classification Eligibility
International students who want to study full-time at UC San Diego must have a valid I-94 status during the entered duration of their program. Most students apply for F-1 student status or J-1 Exchange Visitor student status.
UC San Diego will issue an I-20 form (F-1) or DS-2019 form (J-1) depending on their eligibility. While most international degree-seeking students study on the F-1 Visa, certain students, such as our University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) and Sponsored Students typically student on the J-1 Visa.
Note for Sponsored Students: A sponsored student is a student whose tuition and fees are paid directly to UC San Diego by an outside private or public agency, such as a corporation, government, educational institution or embassy. Sponsored students typically receive a DS-2019 form (J-1) depending on your eligibility. Sponsored students who wish to study on the F-1 Visa, instead of the J-1 Visa, should receive a written statement from their sponsor clearly stating they will allow the sponsored student to pursue their program while on the F-1 Visa.
The following are additional considerations when determining the appropriate visa classification for your program of study at UC San Diego:
F-1 | J-1 | |
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Program of Study |
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Certificate of Eligibility |
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Funding Eligibility |
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50% or more of funding comes from:
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Health Insurance |
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Employment Authorization |
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Dependents |
F-2 Spouse:
F-2 Child:
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J-2 Spouse:
J-2 Chlid:
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212(e) Two-Year Home Residency Requirement |
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J-1 student and J-2 dependent(s) may be subject depending on the following:
If subject to the 212(e) home residency requirement, you are required to return to your country of nationality or last legal residence for two years upon completion of J-1 program. |
Transfer to Other U.S. Institutions |
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Change to J-1 Visa Category (other than Student) |
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Change to other I-94 Status |
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