Most international students at The Boston Conservatory are in F-1 status. All international students who have entered the United States on F-1 and other non-immigrant visas must obey federal regulations that govern their visa status. It is extremely important to pay close attention to these regulations. Always ask the Director of International Student Affairs for assistance if any concerns arise. While International Student Affairs endeavors to provide students with the most current information on F-1 regulations, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to follow all procedures necessary to maintain legal status in the United States.

F-1 Student Responsibilities
It is extremely important for you to follow F-1 regulations carefully and to keep records of all of your immigration-related documents. Failure to maintain F-1 status means loss of eligibility for a travel signature, change of status, and employment benefits, and may result in more serious consequences. Therefore, be sure to see the Director of International Student Affairs any time you have questions or concerns about your status.

To maintain F-1 status:

• Keep your I-20 valid at all times. Do not let it expire.
• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Pursue a full course of study, as defined by your degree program. Part-time enrollment is only permitted under certani circumstances and requires written authorization from the Director of International Student Affairs.
• Do not work off campus without prior written authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or Director of International Student Affairs.
• If authorized for off-campus employment or working on campus, do not work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year.
• Notify the Director of International Student Affairs within 10 days of any changes to the following:
  - name
  - address in the U.S. (Students on OPT must also report
  address changes.)
  - address in your home country
• Notify the Director of International Student Affairs and follow all required procedures before making any changes to the following: 1) degree program or major, 2) institution where you study, 3) financial support, and 4) expected graduation date.

Travel
Below is the list of materials you will need to carry when traveling. To avoid any last-minute problems, plan to review and gather the necessary materials at least two weeks before you leave.

Each time you travel outside of the U.S., you will need the following documents to re-enter:

• Travel signature less than six months old. Obtain the signature on page 3 of your I-20 from the Director of International Student Affairs at least one week before you depart.
• Valid visa. If your visa is expired, you will need to apply to renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. You should contact your embassy/consulate immediately to learn how long the process may take, and plan your travel dates accordingly. See the Director of International Student Affairs to learn more about visa renewal.
• Passport valid at least six months into the future.
• Financial support documents (recommended)
• Current transcript or letter confirming continued enrollment (recommended)
• All previous I-20s (recommended)

Be sure to make at least two copies of all of your important documents (I-20s, visa, I-94 card, and the main page of your passport) so that you can replace them more easily if they are lost or stolen. We recommend that you keep one set of copies in your carry-on luggage and another set at home with someone who can send them to you if needed.

Employment
F-1 regulations regarding employment are very strict. Do not engage in any employment until you are certain that you have the proper authorization. Always seek the advice of the Director of International Student Affairs if you have questions about employment.

On-Campus Employment
All students in valid F-1 status are automatically eligible to work on campus. Your I-20 is proof of on-campus employment eligibility; no additional authorization is needed. Full-time students in good academic standing are eligible for on-campus employment from the first semester of enrollment until graduation. Employment may be part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during school vacations.

Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment related to your field of study and appropriate to your level of education. F-1 students who have been in lawful F-1 status for nine months (one academic year) and meet certain other conditions may apply for a total of 12 months of OPT.

You may pursue OPT before or after completing your degree, with some limitations. You do not need to use all 12 months at the same time. Employment may be part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during school vacations. Any part-time OPT will be deducted from the one year of OPT available at one half the full-time rate. OPT is not specific to an employer, and gigs are permitted.

The Director of International Student Affairs will assist you with the Optional Practical Training application process, which must be completed before your graduation date and requires approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applications may require up to 6 to 8 weeks or more for processing. You may not begin working off campus until you receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and reach the start date of your OPT employment eligibility.

Students who begin a new degree or diploma program at a higher educational level are eligible for another 12 months of OPT.  For example, if a student uses 12 months of OPT following completion of a bachelor’s degree, the student becomes eligible for another 12 months of OPT upon enrolling in a master’s degree program.

Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is an integral part of your degree program’s curriculum and carries academic credit. F-1 students who have been in lawful F-1 status for at least nine months (one academic year) and whose proposed employment meets specific conditions are eligible to apply for CPT.

To apply, first discuss your proposed employment with the Director of International Student Affairs to make sure it qualifies as CPT. Then, submit a CPT application with proof of employment to the Director. You must complete the CPT authorization process and gain written work permission on your I-20 before beginning any off-campus employment. CPT employment is authorized for a single employer and specific dates, both of which appear on the I-20. You must seek new authorization for each CPT opportunity you may wish to pursue.

Employment of 20 hours per week or less is considered part-time, and there is no limit to the amount of part-time CPT you may use. However, if you use more than 12 months of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training.