Lana Oconnell
F-1 students often want to work while studying, but employment opportunities are limited, and strict rules apply. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of work authorizations available for eligible F-1 students. CPT is integral to the student's major and must be a part of their program of study, while OPT allows students to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. To qualify for CPT, students must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. On the other hand, OPT is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for CPT? | F-1 students who have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school, unless they are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT |
| What is CPT? | An alternative work/study, internship, co-op, or other type of required practical training that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with your college or university |
| What are the requirements for CPT? | It must be integral to your program of study and offered through cooperative agreements with your college or university |
| Who is eligible for OPT? | F-1 students who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States |
| What is OPT? | A benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status, allowing them to gain work experience related to their field of study |
| What are the requirements for OPT? | Students must be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the US and apply up to 90 days before the program end date |
| What is the difference between CPT and OPT? | CPT is integral to the student's major and must be a part of their program of study, while OPT is optional and can be used before or after completion of studies |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 students and CPT
F-1 students are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is an authorization to do practical training as part of the curriculum for the academic program. CPT authorization is recommended for all internships, whether paid or unpaid. CPT employment during the winter or fall term requires registration for the CPT course during that term. If CPT employment occurs during the spring/summer term, registration can be done either in the preceding winter term or during the spring/summer term. CPT courses may impact tuition and fees.
There are two types of CPT: required and optional. Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students to graduate. Optional CPT is work experience directly related to the field of study but is not required.
Full-time CPT is defined as employment for more than 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load (RCL) during the fall and winter terms. Students must be physically present on campus during their CPT. CPT authorizations are displayed on the Employment Information page.
F-1 students can also apply for OPT, which is a type of work permission available for eligible students. OPT allows students to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. Students must apply for a work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) if OPT is approved. Students must not begin working before the start date on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). OPT must relate to the student's major or course of study.
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DSO recommendations for OPT
While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Here are some recommendations and guidelines for DSOs regarding OPT:
- Understanding OPT Requirements: DSOs should have a thorough understanding of the OPT program, including eligibility criteria and application processes. They should be able to guide students on the requirements, such as the need for practical training to be directly related to the student's major area of study.
- Record-Keeping and Compliance: DSOs are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This includes verifying and updating program end dates, specifying pre-completion or post-completion OPT, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Recommendation Timing: DSOs should ensure that students do not file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," before the DSO recommends OPT in the student's SEVIS record. The student must file within 30 days after the DSO OPT recommendation to avoid application denial and additional fees.
- Monitoring and Updating: When recommending a student for OPT, the DSO assumes additional responsibilities. They must monitor and update the student's SEVIS record, including any changes to employment authorization. DSOs should review OPT documentation on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with work requirements.
- Assessing Relationship to Field of Study: DSOs must assess the direct relationship between the OPT employment and the student's major area of study. They should review the information provided by the student in the SEVIS system, explaining how the job relates to their degree.
- Recommending STEM OPT: DSOs may recommend students for STEM OPT extensions. They should endorse the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and make the appropriate notations in SEVIS.
- Verifying Program End Dates: Before recommending post-completion OPT, DSOs should verify and, if necessary, shorten the program end date on Form I-20. This ensures that the OPT request aligns with the planned duration of the degree program.
- Splitting OPT Time: If a student plans to split their OPT time between degree programs at the same education level, DSOs should explicitly note this in SEVIS. The requested OPT validity dates for each degree program should correspond to the planned duration of OPT for that specific program.
- Addressing EAD Termination: DSOs can provide guidance to students regarding EAD termination. They can assist students who feel their EAD has been wrongfully terminated or help them request reconsideration of the termination decision.
- Guidance on Work Authorization: DSOs should advise students not to begin working before the start date on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
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CPT application process
The CPT application process can be completed in several steps. Firstly, students should seek a position that is directly related to their degree program and ensure that they are offered the position before submitting their CPT application. The offer letter from the employer must include the job title, job description, salary, number of working hours per week, start and end dates, and the employer's office location. If the student will be working remotely, the letter should include the employer's address and the student's home address, along with confirmation of remote work.
Secondly, students must complete the CPT application, which includes uploading the offer letter and employer form. They will also need to list the CPT course they will take and enter their academic advisor's name. Graduate students may also need to enter their DGP's name for review and approval.
Thirdly, students should submit their application with plenty of time to allow for processing. ISS requires 10 business days to process a CPT request, and incomplete applications will be rejected and must be resubmitted. Students will receive an email from ISS when their I-20 with CPT authorization is available.
Finally, students must collect their I-20, review the CPT authorization details, and sign and date the document. They should keep their I-20 for their permanent records and provide it to their employer to complete new employee paperwork. Students must not begin working before the start date on the I-20 and should ensure they comply with any mandatory health insurance policies.
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OPT work authorization
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permit available to eligible international students in the United States. OPT allows students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. It is available both before and after completion of studies, with a maximum of 12 months of work authorization.
To apply for OPT, students must first request a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and make a notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Once the DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS, the student must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) by filing Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", within 30 days of the DSO recommendation. The application must be accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation. Students cannot begin working until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and must not work beyond the start date on the EAD.
It is important to note that OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study and comply with federal regulations. Students authorized for post-completion OPT are expected to be employed, with a limit of 90 days of unemployment. Volunteering and unpaid internships can be considered valid OPT employment if they meet certain criteria.
In certain cases, students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization if they meet specific requirements, such as being employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.
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STEM OPT extension
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. The OPT itself is a type of work permit available for eligible F-1 students, allowing them to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. The STEM OPT extension is available to students who have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
To apply for the STEM OPT extension, students must first ensure they are maintaining their F-1 status and that their 12-month OPT information is up-to-date. They must then pay the $200 STEM Post-Completion Training fee and complete the Form I-983 with their employer. The STEM OPT Extension request option becomes available 100 days before the 12-month OPT expires. Students must receive approval and a signed OPT I-20 with the OPT recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) before submitting their online OPT application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
It is important to note that students may participate in the STEM OPT extension program twice. However, they must ensure that they have not already received a STEM OPT extension based on a previously obtained STEM degree. Additionally, the STEM OPT extension application must be submitted within 60 days of the STEM OPT recommendation date and before the expiration date on the Post-Completion OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Once a student's STEM OPT extension application is received by the USCIS, they are automatically granted a 6-month extension, allowing them to continue working while their application is pending. During this time, their work authorization is also automatically extended for up to 180 days. If the student's OPT or 17-month OPT extension ends on or after April 1, and an employer files an eligible H-1B petition to change their status with a requested start date of October 1, the SEVIS will automatically extend their OPT or 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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Frequently asked questions
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an alternative work/study, internship, or co-op that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with your college or university.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States. This allows students to gain work experience related to their field of study.
To qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school, unless you are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT.
Students must be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S. and have been enrolled in valid F-1 student status for a minimum of nine months.
