What is it?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work off campus in a work/study program such as an internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
What are the requirements?
CPT is employer-specific. Therefore, students must have been offered a position in writing before CPT can be approved. The internship can be either paid or unpaid and must be related to the student's field of study. The internship must be required by the department or advisor and the student must receive academic credit and a grade for the internship.
Who is eligible for CPT?
An F-1 student who has been in lawful status for one full academic year (this includes having a valid I-20, valid passport, full-time enrollment, ect.) and has not completed their course of study. If you have questions about whether you qualify for CPT, please talk to your International Student Advisor.
When can I apply?
You can apply at any time, provided you are qualified.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
Yes. CPT can only be authorized for a specific job. This job cannot change during the CPT.
Do I need to be enrolled while doing my CPT?
Yes. You MUST get academic credit for your CPT, even if your CPT is during the summer semester. Most students enroll in "internship" or "practicum" hours for this time period.
Do I need to apply to USCIS for CPT?
No. The International Student Advisor can authorize your CPT.
How do I apply for CPT?
To apply for CPT, students should first meet with the International Student Advisor to discuss the internship and then submit the current I-20 paperwork.
How will CPT affect OPT in the future?
If you have full-time CPT for a total of 12 full months (365 days), you will not be eligible for OPT.
What happens if I am authorized for CPT then I change my mind or lose my job?
You must notify the International Student Advisor immediately in order to cancel your CPT with USCIS.
Optional Practical Training
What is it?
OPT is off-campus employment that is related to your major field of study and is a benefit of the F-1 visa status. An F-1 student who is eligible to apply for OPT must have been in lawful F-1 status for one full academic year prior to applying for OPT. This includes having a valid I-20, passport (which will not expire for at least one year after you apply for OPT), full-time enrollment, etc. If you have questions about whether of not you are eligible, consult your International Student Advisor.
Eligible F-1 students may engage in optional practical training for a total of 12 months:
After completion of a course of study (Undergraduate and Graduate students)
After completion of all course requirements if engaged in thesis or dissertation research (Graduate students only)
While school is in session, provided that it does not exceed 20 hours per week in any given week while school is in session (deducted from the 12-month maximum at a proportional rate of 50%)
During the summer or winter break of the regular academic year
You don't need a job offer in order to apply for OPT, but you must apply for OPT before you complete your studies. One can apply as early as possible within the last semester of studies.
How do I apply?
To apply for OPT, please contact your International Student Advisor for an appointment if you have questions after you have read the information on this website and have completed all the forms to the best of your ability. While your International Student Advisor can recommend OPT permission, it is the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service(USCIS) that must approve the OPT. The Advisor will verify that you are in lawful F-1 status and then make a notation on your "SEVIS" I-20.
Students must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD), with USCIS. This is an on-line process. Forms and more detailed information can be answered at USCIS - I-765 Application. If approved, USCIS will issue an EAD to the student. The filing fee for an I-765 is $380.00.