Slater International Center

International Students and Scholars - U.S. Immigration Information for International Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Types
OPT/CPT
SEVIS

What type of visa should I apply for?

You should apply for either the F-1 Student Visa and the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
The F-1 visa is for foreign individuals with the educational purpose of coming to the United States to be a full-time student. It is not possible to be a part-time student on a F-1 visa.

The J-1 visa is for foreign individuals coming to the United States as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate or international visitor who are taking part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools and a variety of institutions and organization.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization for temporary employment.

A F-1 student can be authorized to engage in temporary employment for optional practical training (i) during the student's annual vacation and other times when the school is not in session (ii) while school is in session as long as the practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week (iii) after completion of the course of study or after completing all course requirements for the degree.
However OPT must be requested prior to completion of all course requirements for the degree or course of study. A student must complete all practical training within a 14-month period following completion of study.

What is CPT?

Curriculum Practical Training is an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required intenship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. A F-1 student can be authorized to engage in a CPT program that is proven to be an integral part of an established curriculum.

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that maintains current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa) and their dependents (F-2, M-2, J-2).

The following handouts are available for international students at the Slater International Center:

Immigration

Tips to Obtain an F-1 Visa
International Student Guidelines, Basic Immigration Handout
Immigration - SEVIS Preparation Workshop Notice, Part I
Immigration Notice, Part II
Form: SEVIS data
School Transfers For F-l Students
Form: Transfer In to Wellesley College for F-1 Students
Immigration Basics: F-1 Employment Categories
Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students
Form: F-1 Optional Practical Training Academic Advisor's Recommendation
Curricular Practical Training For Students In F-1 Status
Form: F-1 Curricular Practical Training Professor's Endorsement
J-1 Scholars: Immigration Guidelines
J-1 Student Guidelines
Medical Insurance Requirements- mandated by law
Academic Training for Students in J-1 Status
Form: Transfer In to Wellesley College J-1 Scholars
Form: Senior SEVIS withdrawal and Questionnaire