Hello people
i’m an exchange student from london and going to be studying in Northwestern this coming year, studying chemistry btw
i need help with visa, northwestern have told me to apply for a J-1, but i think an F-1 is more suitable
not sure about this because a friend who is also an exchange applicant coming to the states has been told to apply for an F-1, so i’m confused
any help or advice is much appreciated
thank you
Have you looked at their website comparing the F-1 and the J-1?
http://www.northwestern.edu/international/student-visas/types-of-student-visas.html
yeah i had a look but there’s not much difference between them (don’t have any dependents)
i’ve sent them emails but nobody seems to reply 
J-1 students can be part of an established exchange program (like you are) - looks like you can choose between the two. Main difference seems to be ability to work off-campus, and if you had a spouse, their ability to work. The J-1 status seems to give you a little more work possibility, so why not apply for it?
yeah thank you
just sent that off (J-1)
you know how long it takes to process?
thank you again
No, I don’t know how long it takes to process. I believe it varies based on your country.