ISS Application Process for International Students
When should I apply?
Before applying for any ISS related process, please contact ISS
To be fair to all students, ISS processes requests in the order in which they are received and cannot accommodate expedited requests. The standard processing time for all requests is 14 calendar days. Please plan accordingly.
All questions regarding the requirements and process for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Reduced Course Load (RCL) Program Extensions and COEL (change of Educational Level) should be directed to:
International Students and Scholars (ISS) Contact Page
Please contact ISS before applying as guidance has changed
This information is for Comp-Sci (UG and GR) program students only.
(CS, CSHO, DSCS, AI and CS Department Graduate Majors)
Curricular Practical Training | ISS (purdue.edu)
CS does not require CPT's (internships) for degree completion.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for F-1 students to gain practical experience working off-campus in a job directly related to their major field of study. It is recommended in SEVIS by an Immigration Counselor at Purdue International Students and Scholars (ISS), and then students submit their applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be adjudicated. If you are a BS/MS student, please contact Lori O'Brien before submitting application. An offer of employment is not required to apply for OPT.
Graduate student departmental contact: Lori O'Brien, ljobrien@purdue.edu
Undergraduate student departmental contact is your academic advisor.
CS Grad students please complete the CS form below.
F-1 and J-1 students must register for and complete a full course of study unless otherwise authorized.
This information is for Comp-Sci (UG and GR) program students only.(CS, CSHO, DSCS, AI and CS Department Graduate Majors)
Graduate student departmental contact: Lori O'Brien, ljobrien@purdue.edu
Undergraduate student departmental contact is your academic advisor.
- Graduate students: submit form for CS approval.
- Complete ISS application.
Please contact ISS before applying as guidance has changed
Per ISS, the following is needed to submit a request for COEL:
Admission letter from your department or graduate school
- Based on your new academic program
- Admission letter is not required if changing education level within the graduate school, such as changing from a masters to a PhD. In such cases, the eform permits skipping this as optional
Original funding document
- Examples: Assistantship letter, original bank statement, sponsor funding letter, etc.
- If funded by an assistantship, the offer letter from your department’s business office is sufficient. It must state your monthly stipend, 10 or 12 month appointment, and how long the department will be funding you.
- If you have questions about your financial letter, please contact the ISS office according to the info on this site.
- New Academic Program Contact name and email address
This information is for Comp-Sci (UG and GR) program students only.
(CS, CSHO, DSCS, AI and CS Department Graduate Majors)
Graduate student departmental contact - Lori O'Brien, ljobrien@purdue.edu
Undergraduate student departmental contact is your academic advisor.