Choosing between an F1 and a J1 for PhD after a Fulbright funded Master's

[theov 0]

I just completed my Master's under a Fulbright sponsored J1 Visa and will continue with a PhD in the US sponsored by my University. My University gives me the possibility to choose between an F1 and a J1 Visa for my upcoming PhD studies and I would really appreciate some advice regarding the pros and cons of each. The ISO advised me to continue with a J1 because of its benefits for potential dependents but did not have a clear answer regarding disadvantages that a J would have in comparison to an F. I carry the two year home residency requirement from my Master's for the end of my PhD anyway.

That said I am interested in knowing the following:

1. If I choose a J for my PhD, will the time in my home country in potential summer breaks etc count toward my home residency requirement?

2. Are there any big differences between the two Visas concerning employment during and after my studies?

3. If I choose a J can I change to an F during my PhD?

Thanks!

[Noah Lot 391]

I just completed my Master's under a Fulbright sponsored J1 Visa and will continue with a PhD in the US sponsored by my University. My University gives me the possibility to choose between an F1 and a J1 Visa for my upcoming PhD studies and I would really appreciate some advice regarding the pros and cons of each. The ISO advised me to continue with a J1 because of its benefits for potential dependents but did not have a clear answer regarding disadvantages that a J would have in comparison to an F. I carry the two year home residency requirement from my Master's for the end of my PhD anyway.

That said I am interested in knowing the following:

1. If I choose a J for my PhD, will the time in my home country in potential summer breaks etc count toward my home residency requirement?

2. Are there any big differences between the two Visas concerning employment during and after my studies?

3. If I choose a J can I change to an F during my PhD?

Thanks!

If you are subject to the 2 year rule, it doesn't really matter much...and no, brief vacations do not subtract from the 2 year rule....in order to fulfill that rule, you must spend two years in YOUR country of residence (but brief vacations away from your country do not count against you).

In order to change to H1B, you would need a waiver...which is hard to predict on how difficult it will be to obtain.

[vroni 1]

If you are subject to the 2 year rule, it doesn't really matter much...and no, brief vacations do not subtract from the 2 year rule....in order to fulfill that rule, you must spend two years in YOUR country of residence (but brief vacations away from your country do not count against you).

In order to change to H1B, you would need a waiver...which is hard to predict on how difficult it will be to obtain.

actually you can apply for H1B, but you cannot apply for an immigrant visa.

J1 does not allow you to use CPT or OPT, so I would always choose F1. Unless you have a dependent that wants to work.

[pinklight 0]

1. If I choose a J for my PhD, will the time in my home country in potential summer breaks etc count toward my home residency requirement? Summer breaks will not count if you choose a 2nd J visa. They could count if you choose an F-1 though. I'm in a similar situation and chose an F-1 for my PhD.

[Darnell 8,478]

I say pick the F-1.