Student Visa Options
There are generally two visa categories for studying in the United States: the F-1 student visa and the J-1 student visa. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations governing both of these visa categories require full-time, in-person study in the United States*. Under the current regulations, both allow various degrees of work permission before and after graduation.
Most admitted full-time international students to Harvard University are eligible for the F-1 visa. Only some students are eligible for the J-1 student visa. Below you will find a list of the major differences between the two visas. Please click on each visa option for more detailed information. Students who are eligible for both the F-1 student visa and the J-1 student visa must communicate which visa category they plan to use for their programs at Harvard to the admissions office of their schools. Some Harvard programs involve online and campus-based program components; students are encouraged to confirm visa sponsorship options with the respective Harvard admissions offices prior to applying in order to receive appropriate and accurate guidance*.
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F-1 Student Visa |
J-1 Student Visa |
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Eligibility | All students admitted in full-time, on-campus degree programs are eligible for the F-1 visa |
Students are only eligible for the J-1 student visa:
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On-Campus Work |
Students are eligible to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week while school is in session and full time during official school breaks, as long as the employment does not interfere with their educational program. |
Students are eligible to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week while school is in session and full time during official school breaks, as long as the employment does not interfere with their educational program. |
Off-Campus Work Authorization |
All off-campus work must be related to your field of study, and requires authorization. Off-campus employment that is not related to the course of study is restricted. Please see below for more information on the various F-1 work authorization options. Please note, F-1 OPT is only available after students spend two full academic semesters in the U.S. in F-1 status: |
All off-campus work must be related to your field of study, and requires authorization. Off-campus employment that is not related to the course of study is restricted. Please see below for more information on the J-1 work authorization options: |
Visa Document Details | The HIO will issue a Form I-20 to the student and their dependents (if applicable) and send to the student via email; the Form I-20 will be issued for the length of the degree program. The Form I-20 is needed to initiate the F-1 visa application process. | The HIO will issue a Form DS-2019 to the student and their dependents (if applicable) and send to the student via email; the Form DS-2019 will be issued for the length of the degree program. The Form DS-2019 is needed to initiate the J-1 visa application process. |
Visa Length Details | The length of U.S. visa duration depends on a variety of factors including reciprocity agreements between countries as well as consular discretion. | |
Dependents (Married Spouses and Children) |
Accompanying dependents (spouse and children) receive the F-2 visa and are not allowed to work. F-2 spouses are allowed to enroll in less than full course of study even if that part-time study eventually leads to a degree or certificate. F-2 children may enroll in primary or secondary school. |
Accompanying dependents (spouse and children) receive the J-2 visa. Accompanying spouses in J-2 status may apply for work permission in the United States. Be advised that it takes several months to obtain work permission after arriving in the U.S. Accompanying dependents may enroll in a full-time course of study in the United States while in J-2 status. |
Other Information |
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Depending upon the country and funding sources, a J visa holder may be subject to the two-year home residence requirement. Students who are subject to the requirement must return home for two years before being eligible to apply for an H-1, K-1, L-1 or immigrant visa. All J-1 Students are subject to a 12-month bar before they are eligible to apply for a J-1 Research Scholar visa. Both J-1 and J-2 visa holders are required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage in the United States. |
*Pursuant to federal visa regulations, student visa sponsorship is only available for full-time, on-campus programs. Any students enrolled in part-time programs, or any online-only programs, are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship from Harvard University and are not permitted to enter the U.S. in a student visa status. Individuals are also prohibited from entering the U.S. using a B1/B2 visa or ESTA with the intention of studying online from within the U.S. Entering the U.S. on a B1/B2 or ESTA with the intention to study remotely would violate your tourist visa status; may result in a denial of entry to the U.S.; and may have a negative impact on obtaining future immigration statuses in the U.S.