{"id":382,"date":"2025-05-28T19:35:48","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T19:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/iss\/?page_id=382"},"modified":"2025-12-02T18:24:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T18:24:07","slug":"f1-and-j1-student-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/iss\/frequently-asked-questions\/f1-and-j1-student-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"F-1 & J-1 Student FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Marshall<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n \n Meet Marshall<\/span>\n <\/a>\n
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Welcome to Marshall<\/div>\n
\n Why Choose Marshall?<\/a>\n\n The Value of a Marshall Degree<\/a>\n\n Our Community<\/a>\n\n Our Blog<\/a>\n\n Our Stories<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Leadership<\/div>\n
\n Office of the President<\/a>\n\n Board of Governors<\/a>\n\n Workforce and Economic Development<\/a>\n\n Academic Affairs<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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News & Marketing<\/div>\n
\n Events<\/a>\n\n Academic Calendar<\/a>\n\n News Releases<\/a>\n\n Branding Guide<\/a>\n\n University Marketing & Communications<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n
\n \n Admissions<\/span>\n <\/a>\n
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Information For<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tFirst-Year Freshmen<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tTransfer Students<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tInternational Undergraduate Students<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tGraduate Students<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tInternational Graduate Students<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tOnline Students<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Getting Started<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tVisit Campus<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tApply for Admission<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tApply for Financial Aid<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Cost & Aid<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tTuition<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tFinancial Aid<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tScholarships<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tEstimate Your Cost<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n
\n \n Academics<\/span>\n <\/a>\n
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Degrees<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tUndergraduate<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tGraduate<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tOnline<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tProfessional<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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More Programs<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tHerd Academy<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tSchool of Medicine<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tSchool of Pharmacy<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Resources<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tAcademic Calendar<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tLibraries & Online Research<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tInternships & Career Development<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tColleges & Schools<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tCampus Bookstore<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tResearch at Marshall<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n
\n \n Marshall Life<\/span>\n <\/a>\n
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Clubs & Organizations<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tStudent Government<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tGreek Life<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tAthletics<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Student Activities<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tCommunity Service<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCampus Rec<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Student Resources<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tResidence Halls\/Living<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tStudent Affairs<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tStudent Health<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tStudent Policies<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tColleges & Schools<\/a>\n\n\t\t\tTitle IX Office<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n \n\n\t\n\tRequest Info<\/span>\n<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t
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Common Search Terms:<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tadmissions<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tapply now<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tonline learning<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\trequest information<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tschedule of courses<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tacademic calendar<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tbert<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tregistrar<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tlibrary<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\thuman resources<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\thousing<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\thr<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\twork order<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tregistration<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tjobs<\/a>,\n\t\t\t\t\tmubert<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInternational Student Services<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFuture Students<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCurrent Students<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLife at Marshall<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact Us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n
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Maintaining Immigration Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
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\n What is a full course load?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Undergraduate students are required to be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester.<\/p>\n

Graduate students are required to be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours each fall and spring semester.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Am I allowed to take online courses?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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J-1 students may not apply online courses toward the minimum full course load requirements.<\/p>\n

F-1 Undergraduate and Graduate students may apply one online course toward the minimum full course load requirements. Students in their final semester before graduation must be enrolled in at least one classroom-based course.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Can I drop a course?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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You should always speak with an International Student Advisor in the Office of International Student Services prior to dropping a course.<\/p>\n

If you are unable to maintain a full course of study, you should submit a Request for a Reduced Course Load prior to dropping a course.<\/p>\n

A Reduced Course Load can only be approved under certain circumstances. Permission from your academic advisor is not enough.<\/p>\n

You must get prior approval from the Office of International Student Services. If approved, you will receive a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 with permission for the RCL.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Am I required to have health insurance?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Yes, each semester a hold\u00a0is placed on your Marshall University record that will prevent you from registering for classes until you provide proof of health insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What if I already have health insurance from my home country?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Insurance purchased in your home country will usually not be sufficient. The Office of International Student Services recommends that students buy insurance through Insurance for Students, Inc. This plan meets all the requirements set by the Office of International Student Services.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What do I do if I lost my I-20 or DS-2019?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Contact the Office of International Student Services and fill out a\u00a0Request for a Replacement I-20.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What do I do if my I-20 or DS-2019 is about to expire I need to extend the time for my program of study?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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In order to receive an extension on your program, you must receive permission from both your academic advisor and a DSO or ARO in the Office of International Student Services. You must submit a Program Extension From along with updated financial documentation to cover the duration of the extension. Upon submission for your Program Extension Form, your advisor will be notified to complete an Advisor Certification form as well. All documentation for a program extension request must be received and approved by the Office of International Student Services prior to the end date on the I-20.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What do I do if I change my major area of study?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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You must report any change of major to the Office of International Student Services\u00a0after you have been accepted into a new program. An updated I-20 will be made to reflect this major change. After you submit the Request for Change of Major form for graduate students (available in the graduate office) or your academic advisor\u2019s office (for undergraduate students) and are accepted into the new area of study, you should\u00a0submit a\u00a0Request for a Replacement I-20\u00a0form to the Office of International Student Services.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Can I transfer to another school?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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In order to transfer to another school, you must first apply to and be accepted at the school you wish to transfer to and contact a DSO (for F-1 students) or ARO (for J-1 students) at that school. Some schools require a Transfer Release Form to be completed by a DSO or ARO at the previous school. If you are transferring to a school that requires this form, please be sure to complete the student section of the form and submit to the Office of International Student Services at Marshall University. The Transfer Release Form will be completed by a DSO or ARO in the Office of International Student Services and submitted directly to the new school. Once you are accepted and receive your acceptance letter, you should submit the letter and a completed Transfer Out Form to the Office of International Students Services to request the transfer of your SEVIS record.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n How do I change my immigration status?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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To inquire about changing your immigration status, please contact the Office of International Student Services at iss@marshall.edu<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What if my passport is about to expire?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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You must maintain a valid passport at all times. It is your responsibility to contact your embassy or consulate to have your passport renewed.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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F-1 Employment Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
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\n Can I work as a student in F-1 status?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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As an F-1 student, you have permission to work on-campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) when the university is in regular school sessions (Fall and Spring semesters) and full-time (20+ hours per week) when the university is not in session (December holiday, Spring Break, summer).
\nWorking off-campus without employment authorization\u00a0is a serious violation of your F-1 visa status. Please see a\u00a0a DSO to discuss off-campus employment.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What is OPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) is \u201ctemporary employment for practical training directly related to your major area of study.\u201d The Office of International Student Services has published a\u00a0Post-Completion Optional Practical Training Online Training Module<\/a>. It is highly recommended that you review the\u00a0Post-Completion Optional Practical Training Online Training Module<\/a>\u00a0prior to applying for OPT.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n How do I know if I qualify for OPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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You must be in current F-1 status, have been enrolled consistently and maintaining status for one academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n When can OPT be authorized?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Pre-completion OPT can be authorized during annual vacation and other times school is not is session, or while school is in session, provided that it does not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.<\/p>\n

Post-completion OPT can be authorized after completion of all course requirements for the degree, excluding thesis or equivalent, if you are in a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree program after completion of your course of study.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n How much can I work on OPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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A cumulative maximum of 12 months per educational level. Part-time, pre-completion OPT is utilized at a rate of 1:2.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What field or level of work is acceptable for OPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Employment during OPT must be directly related to and commensurate with the level of your course of study. Unpaid and paid internships or volunteerships are acceptable for 12-month standard OPT. If you have any questions about whether a position is acceptable while on OPT, please contact a DSO.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Who approves my OPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Optional Practical Training is recommended by a DSO and authorized by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved by USCIS, you will receive an EAD card (I-766 Employment Authorization Document) which serves as your proof of authorization to work in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Can I reenter the US if my OPT application is pending?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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There is some risk involved in reentering the United States before your OPT is approved. Please contact the Office of International Student Services prior to traveling if your OPT application is pending.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Can I reenter if I left while on OPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot reenter unless you have a written job offer.
\nIf you have a job, you may travel and reenter to resume work at the same job or you have a written offer for another job.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What is CPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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CPT is Curricular Practical Training for F-1 students. F-1 students must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT. Students may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location, and period of time approved. Students must continue to be enrolled for a full course of study during the period of CPT.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n How much can I work on CPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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You can be approved for part-time (20 hours or less). In specific situations, you may be approved for full time (over 20 hours).<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n What field or level of work is acceptable for CPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Your work must be an integral part of an established curriculum, in your course\/field of study. You must have an offer of employment from an employer offering work that qualifies as curricular practical training.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Does CPT affect OPT later?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Use of full-time CPT for one year or more eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training. Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n\n \n

\n Who approves my CPT?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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A DSO in the Office of International Student Services will authorize CPT in SEVIS and issue an I-20 with notation, before your work can begin. USCIS approval is not required.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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J-1 Employment Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
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\n Can I work as a student in J-1 status?\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n\n \n
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Students in J-1 student status may engage in two kinds of employment:<\/p>\n