Income from U.S. Sources

Employment permitted on and off-campus under certain circumstances; curricular practical training and twelve months of optional practical training (OPT) permitted

Probable Tax Status

Nonresident for five years

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to academic course of study; evidence of financial support; indication of English proficiency or admission to English training program

Maximum Stay in U.S.

As long as full-time academic progress continues; must seek program extension if completion of program is delayed

Advantages

Easy to obtain; easy to change status when applicable; not subject to two-year home residence requirement (as opposed to J-1)

Disadvantages

Limited to students who meet normal admission requirements for recognized degree program; off-campus work limited; spouse cannot work

Supporting Documents

Proof of academic admission shown on I-20; evidence of financial support

Forms

1.  I-20 AB
2.  I-538 for off-campus work, PT, 
     extensions
3.  I-765 for OPT, economics
     hardship (USCIS will issue an
     "EAD")

The J visa or Exchange Visitor category was developed in 1961 to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.”It is a visa issued to students studying at Northeastern who are here with an exchange program, receiving government sponsorship for their program of study, or have been sponsored by an organization such as Fulbright. Regulations governing the J visa are somewhat different than for those students in F-1, but many of the requirements are consistent: immigration clearance upon arrival, maintaining a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduates, 8 for graduates), change of address and authorization in advance from the ISSI or sponsoring agency for any co-op or employment -based training (known as Academic Training see below), and annual renewal of the travel signature on the DS-2019 (unless traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean islands in which case it is every six months). Unlike F-1 students, J-1 students must apply for prior authorization and have reporting responsibilities for an on-campus employment, which-- like F-1 students-- may not exceed 20 hours per week.

Income from U.S. Sources

Reimbursement for expenses only; no salary; honorarium permitted under certain circumstances

Probable Tax Status

Nonresident

Eligibility Criteria

Proof of scholarly or business purpose of U.S. visit

Maximum Stay in U.S.

Six months at entry; renewable to twelve months; if honorarium paid, visitor limited to 6 visits to six months, 9 days/institution

Advantages

Quick and relatively easy to obtain

Disadvantages

Strict limitation payments from U.S. sources

Supporting Documents

Invitation letter with dates and purpose of visit; proof of adequate funds; evidence of return ticket

Forms

None

Income from U.S. Sources

No U.S. salary; limited honorarium

Probable Tax Status

Nonresident

Eligibility Criteria

Evidence of financial support and tourist plans

Maximum Stay in U.S.

Six months at entry; renewable up to twelve months with difficulty; same as above re: honoraria

Advantages

Quick and relatively easy to obtain

Disadvantages

Limited stay in U.S.; no salary from U.S. sources permitted

Supporting Documents

Proof of adequate funds for visit; evidence of return ticket

Forms

None