I have been attending a university in F-1 status. Because my program required that I complete an internship, I applied for and received authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in my fourth semester…

… that I am currently registered for. My DSO has recently informed me that, because I fell below the required full courseload, I am now out of status and have to apply for reinstatement. Will I be able to continue working on CPT while waiting for a decision on my reinstatement application?

Answer

Yes. The general rule is that students with pending reinstatement applications are not eligible to engage in any F-1 student employment until their reinstatement application is approved even though they have to pursue (or show intent to pursue at the next available term start date) a full course of study. However, this does not include required CPT which is an integral part of the established curriculum for your academic program. Therefore, you should continue attending school on a full-time basis as well as your internship on CPT while your reinstatement application is pending. (09.Oct.2015)

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