SEVIS Immigration Regulations & Compliance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following correctly describes 'Curricular Practical Training' (CPT) for F-1 students?
- Off-campus work authorized by USCIS after degree completion
- Integral part of an established curriculum authorized by the DSO before graduation (Correct answer)
- Employment on campus up to 20 hours per week
- Work authorization for M-1 vocational students
Correct answer: Integral part of an established curriculum authorized by the DSO before graduation
CPT is practical training that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the DSO in SEVIS before the student begins work, and does not require USCIS approval.
Question 2: An F-1 student who has used 12 or more months of full-time CPT is ineligible for which benefit?
- Reinstatement
- Change of status to H-1B
- Any form of OPT (Correct answer)
- Academic training
Correct answer: Any form of OPT
An F-1 student who uses 12 or more months of full-time CPT becomes ineligible for any optional practical training (OPT), including STEM OPT extension.
Question 3: What is the SEVIS fee (Form I-901) required for, and who must pay it?
- Only schools must pay it annually to maintain SEVP certification
- F and M nonimmigrant students and J exchange visitors must pay it before obtaining a visa or entering the U.S. (Correct answer)
- Only students applying for OPT must pay it
- Employers sponsoring H-1B workers from F-1 status must pay it
Correct answer: F and M nonimmigrant students and J exchange visitors must pay it before obtaining a visa or entering the U.S.
The I-901 SEVIS fee is required from most F, M, and J nonimmigrants and must be paid before visa issuance or entry into the United States.
Question 4: A J-1 exchange visitor's DS-2019 is expiring but their program is not complete. What must the sponsor do?
- Issue a new initial DS-2019
- Extend the DS-2019 in SEVIS before the expiration date (Correct answer)
- Advise the visitor to apply for a visa extension
- File Form I-539 on behalf of the visitor
Correct answer: Extend the DS-2019 in SEVIS before the expiration date
The responsible officer (RO) or alternate responsible officer (ARO) must extend the DS-2019 in SEVIS prior to its expiration to keep the J-1 in valid status.
Question 5: Under what authority can an F-1 student engage in off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship?
- DSO authorization alone is sufficient
- USCIS must approve via Form I-765 (Correct answer)
- CBP authorizes it at the port of entry
- The DOS must grant a waiver
Correct answer: USCIS must approve via Form I-765
F-1 students seeking off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship must apply to USCIS using Form I-765 and receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) approval.
Question 6: What is the significance of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record for an F-1 student's immigration compliance?
- It serves as the employment authorization document for OPT
- It records the student's authorized period of admission and class of admission (F-1) (Correct answer)
- It replaces the I-20 as proof of student status
- It is only relevant for M-1 students, not F-1 students
Correct answer: It records the student's authorized period of admission and class of admission (F-1)
The I-94 record documents the student's class of admission (F-1) and authorized period of stay (D/S for duration of status), which is foundational to status compliance.
Question 7: A principal designated school official (PDSO) wants to add a new DSO to the school's SEVIS record. What step is required?
- The new DSO must apply directly to ICE for approval
- The PDSO submits a new DSO request in SEVIS, and the individual must complete a background check process (Correct answer)
- The school's accrediting body must approve the new DSO appointment
- No formal process is needed; the PDSO can grant access informally
Correct answer: The PDSO submits a new DSO request in SEVIS, and the individual must complete a background check process
Adding a DSO requires the PDSO to submit the request through SEVIS, and the prospective DSO undergoes a vetting process including a background check before being granted access.
SEVIS Immigration Regulations & Compliance 5
Which of the following correctly describes 'Curricular Practical Training' (CPT) for F-1 students?