VISA vs. STATUS INFORMATION

What is a "Visa"?

The visa sticker placed in your passport by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is your permission to enter the United States in that status with the required documentation (I-20 or DS-2019). You must attend only the school named on your F-1 visa sticker (for F-1s) or attend only the school with program number P-1-2905 on your J-1 visa sticker (for J-1s).

What is "Status"?

Status is granted to you when you enter the United States at the airport or at the U.S. border. The visa sticker and other required documents (I-94, passport, and I-20 or DS-2019) are inspected by officers of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. If all paperwork is in good order, the officer grants you F-1 or J-1 or other status by writing the status category on your I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019.