An immigration officer will issue you an I-94 card at the port of entry when you arrive in the U.S. The I-94 card shows your F-1 status (which refers to the non-immigrant status given to you by the USCIS to enable you pursue your program of studies) and your authorized stay. This means that you can stay in the U.S. legally to complete your education. On the completion of your program of studies, you are entitled to a year of OPT/CPT and a 60 day grace period before returning to your country of origin or country of permanent residence.

The purpose of the J-1 visa, also known as an Exchange Visitor visa, is to develop a global understanding through...