Dear F-1 Students,

Upon a university review, the following definitions have been solidified to provide clarity regarding remote practical experiences (co-ops, internships, clinicals, residencies, or research experiences). These definitions align with the Northeastern University’s defined instructional methods.

Defined Practical Experience Methods:

    • In person (Traditional): All engagement takes place on site at the employer’s physical location
    • Hybrid: The majority of the engagement takes place on site at the employer’s physical location
    • Remote (Online): The majority of the engagement takes place remotely, and there is limited or no engagement at the employer’s physical location

Per federal regulations, F-1 international students must maintain on-ground presence during every required academic term of study to maintain nonimmigrant student status. This includes any required term when a student is engaged in full-time practical training/experiential learning that requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization. With these defined methods, the Office of Global Services (OGS) has updated the maintenance of status policy for F-1 students engaging in remote practical experiences.

Starting Fall 2024, during required academic terms, F-1 students engaged in full-time practical training/experiential learning while authorized for CPT must maintain their non-immigrant status with on-ground presence by either:

    • Engaging on-site (in person) at the designated employer’s location. This can be in-person or hybrid, as defined above.
    • Engaging remotely with the designated employer with simultaneous enrollment in a university designated on-ground course. Students should enroll in an on-ground course stipulated by their academic program, which must run for the duration of the required academic term. Students should work with their academic department/advisor to identify a course that is appropriate.
      • Co-op students only: Students engaging in a remote co-op will be enrolled in a 0-credit (no cost) in-person EXED course. This course will not be counted toward major requirements. If you have questions about this course, please contact your co-op/career advisor.

If an F-1 student withdraws from (W grade) or fails to attend (NE grade) their on-ground course while engaging in remote practical training/experiential learning, it will be a violation of status based on failure to maintain on-ground presence. The student’s F-1 non-immigrant status will be terminated which may impact eligibility for other F-1 benefits, including but not limited to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-OPT).

F-1 students engaging in remote practical training with an overseas employer from inside the U.S. are required to obtain CPT authorization and maintain on-ground presence through simultaneous enrollment in a university designated on-ground course, as described above.

For more information about CPT, please visit the OGS website.

Sincerely,

Office of the Chancellor

Office of the Provost

Office of Global Services