Graduate

What is the impact on my CPT and OPT eligibility of any semester of online study (if it is approved)?

As per current federal regulations, students are required to spend a minimum of two semesters in the U.S. prior to becoming eligible for curricular or optional practical training. Graduate students whose program requires an internship prior to graduation are exempt from the two-semester requirement for CPT purposes only. As of now, SEVP guidance has not been provided otherwise. Please contact [email protected] for further information

I am an advanced graduate student and have completed all required courses for my graduate program; I am currently preparing for qualifying exams or working on my thesis/dissertation. Does the current DHS - SEVP Guidance apply to me?

Being registered for research/dissertation after the completion of required coursework is considered full-time student status, and students working on their thesis or dissertation are considered to be maintaining valid F-1 status. Students who need to re-enter the country at this stage in their program are advised to obtain from their graduate program a letter indicating their need to be in residence at Brown in order to make progress toward the completion of the degree. 

Can I take my courses or serve as a TA remotely?

Starting in Fall 2021, Brown has returned to the traditional two-semester academic calendar and mostly in-person operations, therefore very little of the curriculum will be available in hybrid or fully online form. Students who are taking courses and/or serving as a Teaching Assistant, Teaching Fellow, Research Assistant or Proctor will be expected to participate in-person. For the full guidance, please see Spring In-person Planning for PhD and MFA Students