Guidance for Chan Entry-OTD
F-1 International Students
This guide explains what you need to do for Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experiences as an F-1 international student in the USC Chan entry-OTD program. Please follow each step carefully to stay in compliance with U.S. regulations.
This information was last updated on September 25, 2025, and is subject to change at any time based on Federal laws, regulations, and guidance we receive from the USC Office of International Services.
1. Know What CPT Is and How to Apply
CPT = Curricular Practical Training.
It is a type of work authorization that lets you do paid or unpaid off-campus internships/fieldwork/capstone experiences related to your OT program.
You must apply for CPT before starting most placements that are NOT at a USC site.
USC sites that do not require CPT:
- Keck Hospital of USC
- OTFP (Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice)
- CHLA (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)
Applying for CPT
- Students must have an offer letter/documentation before submitting their CPT I-20 request in Trojan International.
- Students must apply for CPT, receive their CPT I-20, and wait until the start date before beginning their placement.
- CPT work authorization is issued on a per-semester basis.
- Students should review the OIS CPT website for further information regarding the CPT I-20 application process.
Always check with the Office of International Services (OIS) if unsure: ois.usc.edu
2. Level I Fieldwork (Year 1)
3. Level IIA Fieldwork (Year 2, Summer – 12 weeks full-time)
You may complete this placement outside of Los Angeles (even outside California).
If your placement is not at Keck/OTFP/CHLA → you must complete the CPT form. Even though fieldwork is unpaid, it still counts as “work,” so CPT is required.
If your IIA placement is moved to Fall semester, check with OIS about additional requirements and parameters.
4. Level IIB + Doctoral Capstone Pathway (Year 3, ~1 year total)
You may do this pathway:
- In the Los Angeles area (preferred)
- Internationally as a “study abroad” experience (you must return to the U.S. afterward to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)).
You may NOT do this pathway at a site elsewhere in the U.S. outside of Los Angeles.
Students who wish to complete their Level IIB + Doctoral Capstone Pathway outside the country must do the following:
- Complete the Independent Student Travel Registration Form in the Student Travel Abroad portal so that the university can document the whereabouts of all students who are abroad on university business.
- Once that form is submitted, you will be instructed to complete a second form, the OIS Research/Study Abroad Form, in Trojan International. The link to the form will be provided to students once they complete the Independent Student Travel Registration Form. After OIS receives this completed OIS Research/Study Abroad form, they can accurately document your physical location outside the U.S. and ensure your Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) record remains active.
During fall/spring, you must take a minimum of 3 units of in-person course work (OT 715 and OT 725 meet this requirement).
If your placement is not at Keck, OTFP, or CHLA → You must complete the CPT form.
5. Doctoral Capstone Experience (OT 730)
If your Doctoral Capstone Experience is not at Keck, OTFP, or CHLA → You must complete the CPT form.
Enroll in the hybrid section of OT 730.
6. Final Semester – Optional Practice Training (OPT)
In your final semester, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to remain in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation to gain practical training—paid or unpaid—in their field of study. Students are eligible to apply for OPT during their final semester. Detailed information including application instructions and deadlines are available on the OIS website.
Check your F-1 visa expiration date. A valid F-1 visa is required for re-entry to the U.S. Since visa renewals can take several months, you should carefully reconsider the out-of-country experience if your visa has already expired – especially if you intend to apply for OPT.
Re-entry and presence in the U.S.: You must re-enter the U.S. before your I-20 expires in order to apply for OPT, and you must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing.
Who to Contact
- Office of International Services (OIS):
ois.usc.edu
- CPT Form Information:
CPT at USC
- Support with CPT and OPT form completion:
Dr. Ryan Pineda .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
