• Are there any circumstances in which an international student can volunteer off-campus and NOT need authorization?  Does all off campus volunteering require CPT authorization? 

• Off-campus volunteer work is always tricky and you should always consult with your SISS advisor before undertaking it.  If the volunteer work is related to your major, you must obtain CPT authorization before starting it.  In other cases we would want to discus

• You must be in good academic and immigration status. 
• You must have completed at least one full academic year under your current SEVIS ID#/record.
• You must be pursuing a full course of study, except during official school breaks and vacations. 
• CPT is considered off-campus employment (paid or unpaid) and requires authorization from SISS before you can begin. 
• If an internship is not required for your degree (ty

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization permits F-1 students to take an off-campus job (work/study, internship, cooperative education, or practicum) that is directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their educational level.