J- 1 visa is an exchange visiting scholar visa, and it is one of the types of visas issued by the US Immigration Bureau to foreigners to study in the United States and engage in cooperative research. This is a non-immigrant visa. J- 1 Visa holders are students, scholars or researchers funded by the governments or units of both sides (or one side), including scholars and students sent by the state or units to study in the United States according to the corresponding agreement between the two governments or the inter-school exchange agreement between the two sides. To apply for J- 1 visa, you must provide the original form of IAP-66 from the American receiving unit. IAP-66 is the "qualification certificate" of exchange scholars or visiting scholars. This form is valid for one year, indicating the duration of studying in the United States, the amount of expenses, the source and other related matters.

F- 1 visa, that is, student visa, is a non-immigrant visa issued by the American embassy to students studying in the United States. Form 1-20 is required to apply for this visa. The form 1-20 is the "qualification certificate" for international students. This form was filled in and sent to me by the American college you plan to attend. Table 1-20 shows the date of school registration and the source of fees indicated by the school. If the school does not state in the form 1-20 that the school will provide you with financial aid (such as scholarships and part-time jobs on campus), then you must provide evidence to prove that you have enough funds or that other relevant people (such as relatives in the United States) will pay for your expenses during your stay in the United States and your transportation expenses after graduation from school.

According to the relevant provisions of American immigration law, J- 1 visa holders generally stay in the United States for no more than three years, and must return to the sending country to fulfill their obligation of returning home for two years after the expiration. This is an important difference between the J- 1 visa and other visas. If J- 1 visa holders want to stay in the United States after the expiration of their stay in the United States, they must apply to the relevant US departments. When examining and approving this application, the department requires the applicant to provide a certificate issued by the embassy of the sending country in the United States that it does not object to exempting it from returning to China for two years; F- 1 Visa holders are not allowed to seek permanent employment or stay in the United States, and must leave the United States after the expiration of their studies. According to the above regulations, all overseas students who study in the United States at their own expense and with the support of relatives and friends must apply for the 1-20 form from the United States and apply for the F- 1 visa. International students (including advanced students and students studying for degrees) should apply for J- 1 visa with IAP-66 form.