On-Campus Presence Requirement
U.S. immigration rules require international students on F-1 and J-1 student visas to take a specific number of in-person credits that require their physical presence.  If it comes to the attention of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that a student was attending in-person courses remotely, this may jeopardize the international student's immigration status.Â
If an international student registers for a course designated with an In Person or Hybrid In Person and Online and/or Remote (HY) modality, intending to fulfill the visa requirement for on-campus presence, they must physically attend the in-person sessions. It is not permissible for international students to choose to attend the remote options of courses when they are registered for the in-person sections.  
ISSS CPT Policy Change Beginning Fall 2024 – Hybrid CPT Â
To ensure CU Boulder’s compliance with F-1 visa regulations regarding on-campus presence, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is updating its policy on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships with out-of-state employers. Starting the Fall 2024 semester, ISSS will no longer authorize CPT if the training takes place outside of Colorado. ISSS will authorize CPT for an out-of-state employer during the academic year if the student will be working remotely from their local Colorado address for the entire training. The new policy will also apply to the summer sessions if summer is the student’s last required term to complete their degree requirements. Â
Beginning the Fall 2024 semester, ISSS will require a letter from the employer for any CPT authorization with an out-of-state employer during the Fall and Spring semesters and for summer session when it is the student’s final term. The letter must explicitly state that the student will be working remotely from Colorado. ISSS will also require an attestation from the student confirming that they will be reside continually in Boulder to attend their in-person classes during the internship.Â
In limited instances, Ph.D students in dissertation stage, master's students working on a thesis, or students with full-time practicums required for their degree that have completed all their required coursework may be eligible for CPT for internships outside of Colorado.
If you have any questions about the on-campus presence requirement for international students and the update to the CPT policy, please contact ISSS.