Visa Information

F-1 Visas vs. J-1 Visas

F-1 student visas are for full-time degree seeking international undergraduate or graduate students. J-1 exchange visitors visas are for either students or scholars who visit Appalachian State University through a faculty or student exchange program/agreement.

What students can expect at the port of entry.

To find out more about F student visa category :

To find out more about J exchange visitors visa category:

F-1 Visa Application

Degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students will be sent Form I-20 for the F-1 visa application only after the Office of International Education & Development has received:

  • Notice from the Admissions Office or Graduate School that they have been officially accepted as an Appalachian State University student
  • Certified financial documentation proving they are capable of paying tuition, fees, and living cost for the first year of attendance

Once a prospective student has met the above requirements and received the I-20, they need to apply for a F-1 visa at the nearest U.S. consulate of their home country. Students should check with their local U.S. consulate for a complete understanding of the required process.  Normally, there is an application, associated visa fee, SEVIS fee and any special materials required for visa application.  These vary per consulate. 

F-1 Visa Expiration Versus Length of Studies

Students are sometimes confused about the expiration date on the visa stamp in their passport and the expiration date indicated on their I-20 form. Some students receive F-1 visas that expire in 5 years and others in 6 months: length of visa varies from country to country: dependent on U.S. DOS determinations.

If a student's visa stamp expires while they are in the U.S., the student does not have to return to their to home country to renew their visa as long as they have remained "in status" (see Maintaining Status section). However if a student leaves the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa stamp, they must re-new their visa abroad before they will be allowed to re-entry into the U.S.

Maintaining F-1 Status

International students who arrive in the U.S. on a F-1 student visa are responsible for staying in "good status" with the

U.S. CIS. Penalties for falling out of status range from a reinstatement application and fee to a threatened ability to remain in the U.S. and/or future travel in and out of the U.S. Although staying in status is the student's responsibility, the OIED staff is here to assist you with all immigration questions related to your status and student career at Appalachian State University.

Each student's visa situation differs and U.S. CIS laws constantly evolve. If you have a question regarding your immigration status, seek assistance from the International Student Advisor.   Reliance on friends, or other international students to interpret your personal situation is ill advised.

Guidelines for Maintaining F-1 Status

Do not lose the following documents:

  • I-20 Passport / Visa
  • I-94 card (white card received and stamped by Customs Officer at the port-of-entry)
  • Employment Authorization Document

Keep the I-20 up-to-date. See the International Student Advisor if you have changed majors or need to extend your program of study.

Remain a Full-Time Student

  • Undergraduate students must maintain at least a full-time 12-hour course load per fall and spring semester.
  • Graduate students must maintain at least a full-time 9-hour course per semester. Students may only take less than a full-course load during their final semester to complete their course of study.

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

F-1 students are only allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. Students who have not been approved for practical training are not permitted to work off-campus. (See employment section). The International Student Advisor must approve and document all internships and practicum on the back of the Form I-20 for all F1 visa students at least 1 month prior to participation.  For more information regarding on and off-campus employment!

J-1 Visa Application

Non-degree exchange students will be sent form DS-2019 for J-1 visa application when their application has been received and approved by the Director of Semester /Year Study Abroad Programs.

Once a student is accepted to come to Appalachian as an exchange student and has received the DS-2019, they need to apply for a J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. consulate in their home country.  Students should also check with the local U.S. consulate for any special materials required for their visa application.  Normally, there is an application, associated visa fee, SEVIS fee and any special materials required for visa application.  These vary per consulate.  All students now have to make arrangements to pay for the SEVIS fee and can access this information online.

Maintaining J-1 Status

International students who arrive in the U.S. on a J-1 student visa are responsible for staying in good status with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Penalties for falling out of status range from a reinstatement application and fee, and a threatened ability to remain in the U.S. and/or future travel in and out of the U.S. Although staying in status is the student's responsibility, the OIED staff is here to assist you with all immigration questions related to your student career at Appalachian State University.

Caution - Each student's visa situation differs and U.S. CIS laws are constantly evolving. If you have a question regarding your immigration status, seek assistance from the International Student Advisor.  Reliance on friends, or other international students to interpret your personal situation is ill advised.

Guidelines for Maintaining J-1 Status

  • Do not lose the following documents:
    • DS-2019
    • Passport / Visa
    • I-94 card (white card received and stamped by U.S. CBP officer at the port-of-entry)
  • Keep your DS-2019 up-to-date.  See the International Student Advisor if you have changed the length of your exchange program.
  • Remain a Full-Time Student:
    Undergraduate students must maintain at least a 12-hour course load per fall and spring semester
    Graduate students must maintain at least a 9-hour course per semester.
  • Have the International Student Advisor sign the back of the DS-2019 form at least 2 weeks before traveling outside the United States.
  • J-1 students are only allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. Students who have not been approved for academic practical training are not permitted to work off-campus.

Important: Once a student has completed their exchange program they are required to return to their home country. Exceptions may exist where a student has secured another visa situation that allows them to stay in the U.S.