IPS is required to maintain records for all individuals in the F-1 and J-1 visa classifications, who have an immigration document issued by IPS.
F-1 Visa
- Purpose: For full-time students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities.
- Official Definition (USCIS): The F-1 visa allows you “to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college.”
J-1 Visa
- Purpose: For exchange visitors coming to the U.S. for a specific educational or cultural purpose.
- Official Definition (Department of State): The J-1 visa “enables foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.”
- At RPI: RPI hosts J-1 Exchange Visitors in these categories:
- Research Scholar
- Professor
- Short-Term Scholar
- Student (College/University)
Active
Status in SEVIS indicating you’ve entered the U.S. and are maintaining your visa status.
Dependent
A spouse or child of an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar who comes to the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 status.
DOS (Department of State)
Oversees the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
A benefit for F-1 students to work off campus after one year in status — usually used after graduation.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
An online system that tracks F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, and their dependents.
SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
The government office that monitors F students and dependents and manages SEVIS.
USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
Processes applications for immigration benefits, such as OPT.
International Quick Facts for F-1 Visa Students
* All data based on SEVIS information accessed on 04/18/2024.
| Total Active | 1,161 | ||
| Undergraduate | 497 | ||
| Graduate - Masters | 72 | ||
| Graduate - Doctoral | 376 | ||
| Alumni - Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT | 216 | ||
| Country of Citizenship | Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Zimbabwe | ||
| Top 5 Countries: | |||
| China | 556 | ||
| India | 91 | ||
| Bangladesh | 63 | ||
| Canada | 46 | ||
| Nigeria | 26 | ||
