Current International Students
Maintaining F1 Status
It is the responsibility of each student studying in the states, to know the requirements for maintaining status of the F-1 Visa. Resources to support you include reaching out to your University DSO, or by viewing the following:
- Travel.State.Gov – Immigration Visa Process
- Study in the States – Explanation of rules and regulations for international students
- US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement – How to Navigate the US Immigration System
Beginning of each semester:
Current Students are required to check in with a Designated School Official, DSO, at the beginning of every semester – no later than 15 days after arriving in the United States, or back on campus. The Registrar’s Office will reach out to all international students to ensure a check in time. International Students should bring with them all documents requested by the DSO.
End of each semester:
Current students are required to submit an International Student Travel Signature Request Form prior to leaving campus. This form will be provided to each international student.
Employment
On-Campus Employment
Eligible F-1 Visa students are permitted to work on campus. Interested students should consult a DSO for eligibility determination, and should then contact Career Services for employment opportunities each semester. The University requires each student employee to have a social security number. The University will work with you if you haven’t already received a social security number, and it’s convenient for students as the social security office is only blocks from campus.
For more on working in the United States, see: Study in the States – Employment.
Off-Campus Employment
It is prohibited to work off campus without prior approval of the University PDSO. Off-campus employment is only available in very limited circumstances. Off-campus employment includes internships (paid or unpaid), or work unrelated to school. Please consult the PDSO for any questions pertaining to off-campus employment.
For more on working in the United States, see: Study in the States – Employment.
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an alternative work/study, internship or other type of required work experience that is connected to the academic program. The work experience must be a requirement within the academic program (not optional). CPT must be integral to the program of study and can be completed on both a full-time or part-time basis and can be completed either on-campus or off-campus. Consult your University DSO for details.
For more on training opportunities see: Study in the States – Training Opportunities.
Optional Practical Training
Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to work in the United States for up to 12 months after completing degree requirements, in order to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. Post-completion OPT requires a formal application process. Please consult your University DSO for questions on post-completion OPT and to discuss scheduling an appointment for all applications.
For more on training opportunities see: Study in the States – Training Opportunities.
