Beyond

A division of FLAG International

What is Beyond?

Beyond is an F-1 visa program that allows students the opportunity to study in the US longer than the typical one year that J-1 visas allow.

How do F-1 visas differ from J-1 visas?

• An F-1 visa student can be younger or older than the 15 -18 age limit of a J-1 visa.
• The F-1 visa is supported by a school (usually private) which issues a document called an I-20, whereas J-1 visas are supported by the exchange organization’s DS-2019.
• An F-1 visa can be more difficult to obtain than a J-1 visa.
• A J-1 visa student may return on an F-1 visa, after a new visa application process through the embassy in their home country; an F-1 visa student can not return on a J-1 visa.

What types of students choose Beyond?

Students wishing to study for multiple years of high school, students who desire to graduate with an earned high school diploma, students preparing for US universities, students who enjoyed their J-1 experience who seek to continue their studies (although in most cases a change in school is necessary), students whose English levels do not meet J-1 requirements, foreign students who have US citizenship, and more.

Which school can accept a Beyond student?

Any school that has the ability to issue an I-20 (through the SEVIS system) to an international student.