Here are the most frequently asked questions by graduating international students! Click each question to jump to the answers!
What most F-1 visa students would like to seek clarification when they are about to graduate:
- Can I apply for CPT to bridge the gap after graduation and OPT start date?
- Can I volunteer after graduation while waiting for the OPT start date?
- I took all the classes to meet the graduation requirement- can I take internship classes for the break and apply for OPT later?
- I took all the classes but I need more time to finish the final project- can I walk at graduation now and graduate later?
- I have only one class to meet the graduation requirement. Can I take this online to increase my employability after graduation?
1. Can I apply for CPT to bridge the gap after graduation and OPT start date?
Let me give you the answer before I explain why. The answer is NO!
As CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, CPT is an employment authorization program for current international students. Upon approval, international students engage in internships that have curricular components.
This is why many U.S. colleges and universities require CPT participants to earn academic credits. Since graduating students cannot register for classes, they will not be eligible to apply for CPT.
Furthermore, international students who meet the graduation requirements are required to apply for OPT, not CPT.
To learn more about Pre OPT, and CPT, check the related blog posts:
Related blog post 1: CPT vs. Pre-OPT; Which one better serves your needs?
Related blog post 2: CPT allows internship for international students in USA
Related blog post 3: 7 types of eligible F1 visa OPT works
2. Can I volunteer after graduation while waiting for the OPT start date?
As long as the position meets the definition of volunteering, there are no immigration regulations that prohibit international students from participating in volunteer opportunities.
Then, now the question is, what is the true meaning of the volunteer work? True volunteer work is donating your time to an organization whose primary purpose is “charitable” or “humanitarian” without remuneration or any other type of compensation.
In this light, OPT applicants should be careful in accepting volunteer work for their professor, or any company that is not a non-profit organization.
3. I took all the classes to meet the graduation requirement- can I take internship classes for the summer/winter break and apply for OPT later?
Per immigration regulation 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C), the student who took all the courses and did not have “any additional courses to satisfy the” graduation requirement “must take action” to maintain status.
If the student is not required to take any additional courses to satisfy the requirements for completion, but continues to be enrolled for administrative purposes, the student is considered to have completed the course of study and must take action to maintain status. Such action may include application for change of status or departure from the U.S.
8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C)
This means that they cannot be enrolled in an internship class or any other classes for administrative purposes to simply push the graduation date.
International students can always apply for OPT and engage in off-campus internships.
4. I took all the classes but I need more time to finish the final project- can I walk at graduation now and graduate later?
Suppose the student has incomplete grades for the final project or needs more time to finish the dissertation/thesis to meet the graduation requirement. In that case, they may choose to walk at graduation, as “walking” means participating in the graduation ceremony.
When it comes to the “graduation date” that is reflected on Form I-20 as a program end date, they must work with academic advisors to provide the new program end date to the DSO (Designated School Officials, commonly hold the International Student Advisor title).
Depending on the current program end date on Form I-20, international students may have to apply for the program extension as well as the Reduced Course Load form.
If you are a savvy international student who is aware of the full-time requirement, you may ask “Why do I need to be enrolled full-time for summer/winter break?”
Related blog post: Can’t take full course load? Apply for the Reduced Course Load!
Generally, F-1 visa holders do not need to be enrolled full-time for an annual vacation (summer or winter) as they are usually “eligible and intend to register for the next term.”
However, graduating students who took all classes, and need more time to meet the graduation requirement do not “intend” or are not “eligible” to register for the next term.
Thus, international students in this case are subject to meet the full-time requirements for the summer and winter as well. As they may plan to be enrolled below full-time, they are advised to apply for the Reduced Course Load.
Your school’s policy may be different so check with your international student advisor!
5. I have only one class to meet the graduation requirement. Can I take this online to a bigger city and increase my employability after graduation?
Unfortunately, no! International students are aware that they must take in-person classes and the same policy applies to graduating international students as well.
Related blog post: SEVP updates on online classes and F students FAQ
If a student needs only one course to finish his or her program of study, it cannot be taken through online/distance education. There must be a physical presence requirement for the course. If a student remains in the United States without reporting to any class, it becomes a security issue and cannot be allowed.
8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C)
Therefore, all graduating international students must take in-person classes even though they are graduating and it is the only class that they need to take to meet the graduation requirement.
Don’t forget to check out the OPT webpage and F-1 visa page to learn more about the OPT rules and important F-1 visa rules to successfully end your study in the U.S. as an international student!
