F-1 Student + OPT/STEM-OPT vs J-1 Research Scholar

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your current stage: are you an undergraduate or master's student looking to work in the US after graduation, or are you already a postdoctoral researcher or visiting scholar with a host institution lined up? These visas serve different career phases and come with different pathways once you arrive.

1. 01

   Current education level

   Pick F-1

   Pick F-1 if you're completing high school or pursuing an undergraduate or master's degree in the US.

   Pick J-1

   Pick J-1 if you already hold a bachelor's degree and are pursuing postdoctoral or advanced research work.

2. 02

   Job offer requirement

   Pick F-1

   Pick F-1 if you don't have a job offer lined up yet; you can study first and work after graduation.

   Pick J-1

   Pick J-1 if you already have a research position or host institution commitment in place.

3. 03

   Post-graduation work access

   Pick F-1

   Pick F-1 if you want up to 36 months of post-graduation work authorization in the US, especially in STEM roles.

   Pick J-1

   Pick J-1 if your priority is short-term research or exchange activity without extended work authorization.

4. 04

   Application cost

   Pick F-1

   Pick F-1 if budget is less critical; visa costs $535 and language test requirement adds preparation time and expense.

   Pick J-1

   Pick J-1 if you want to save $280; no language test required and visa fee is lower at $255.