If you had a choice between F-1 and J-1 Visa, which one would you choose?

[Bottle 0]

I'm trying to determine what benefits J-1 visa provides compared to F-1 student visa? I'm especially turned off by the 2-year home residency rule and the 12-month bar rule. I feel like I'm missing something here. J-1 is riddled with stringent rules whereas F-1 provides similar benefits with minimal stringer rules. So in what circumstances would someone opt for J-1?

Edited May 11, 2019 by Bottle

[Roel 7,192]

Um what do you actually want to do in the US?

[Bottle 0]

4 minutes ago, Roel said:

Um what do you actually want to do in the US?

 I was accepted into a masters program. For some reason, the program offers me the chance to obtain F-1 or J-1 visas. I plan to immediately continue my education and enroll to a PhD program after my masters (in the US). 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

From what I understand J is usually better if you have dependents, as they can apply for EAD (work permit) and can study any program, including full time. F dependents can’t work and are much more limited in what they can study. If you’re coming on your own and can choose, F is probably better for the reasons you describe.

[Bottle 0]

4 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

From what I understand J is usually better if you have dependents, as they can apply for EAD (work permit) and can study any program, including full time. F dependents can’t work and are much more limited in what they can study. If you’re coming on your own and can choose, F is probably better for the reasons you describe.

Do you happen to know what might force someone to choose J-1 or make them ineligible for F-1? 

[Rosalind F 178]

From what I read/heard, it also has something to do with the funding sources. For F-1, the funding comes from personal or outside funds. For J-1, it's mostly outside funds (grants, etc.). 

 

I feel that unless you have dependants who intend to be employed, it is better to get F-1 because of no 2-year rule. 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, Bottle said:

Do you happen to know what might force someone to choose J-1 or make them ineligible for F-1? 

I think mostly what you are entering for determines it,  most J visas holders I am aware of are not college students. But your university should have the detail of that I think, maybe ask their international students office?