J-1 Visa from New Zealand from F-1?

[Luckyyellowhog]

Hello,

I am in the US under an F-1 Visa as I have been completing a Bachelors for the past 4 years graduating in May 2015. I will then take my post competition OPT which will grant me 1 year work in the US. I am from London originally, however was told that as I also hold a New Zealand/ Australian passport, I could be eligible for a J-1 visa. Is this possible? And if so can I take it after or before my OPT to essentially give me 2 years working?

Many thanks for your time,

 

[Lucy Furrer]

OPT is still F-1. Some OPT (STEM) can get OPT for 12 months at the first application, and then can be extended for another 17 months. So in another words, some OPT can work in the USA for more than two years.
After finishing F-1, you can get J-1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optional_Practical_Training