This webpage provides immigration compliance guidance for incoming Music students regarding possible summer activities prior to arrival on campus while a student is already on Rice-sponsored F-1 visa status.

Many activities that take place off-campus (paid or unpaid) require work authorization (CPT – Curricular Practical Training or OPT – Optional Practical training*). Failure to comply with immigration regulations, including securing proper work authorization, can result in a termination of your F-1 visa status that would require an immediate departure from the U.S.

*Please note that any practical training work authorization (CPT or OPT) has a prerequisite of one year in F-1 status.

To ensure immigration compliance, please contact an OISS advisor in advance to discuss summer activity plans. An OISS advisor can offer guidance on all options available to you, including:
• Immigration benefits available to F-1 transfer students prior to transferring their record to Rice (e.g., OPT).
• Immigration benefits of being on a festival's visa program sponsorship (e.g., F-1 or M-1).
• Immigration compliant options for summer activities while on Rice F-1 status (e.g., Non-employment scholarships).

If you have any questions, please contact OISS at oiss@rice.edu or 713-348-6095.