CPT & OPT

CPT___OPT
CPT & OPT
 

USCIS Guide to Practical Training

If you are an F-1 student, you have the option of working in the United States by engaging in practical training during your program or after it ends. Practical training can provide valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you are learning in school. There are two types of practical training available for F-1 students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). While ISS will assist you in preparation of documentation, it is your responsibility to file for practical training in a timely manner. ISS will not be responsible for applications filed incorrectly or late.

CPT

CPT approval is granted directly by the International Student Advisor/DSO. UAA students seeking CPT must first coordinate employment with their academic advisor and UAA Career Services Center (CSC). To apply, present your signed learning agreement and CSC approval letter to ISS. CPT must be for course credit (minimum of 3 credits) and meet the following conditions:

  • CPT must relate to your major and the experience must be part of your program of study.
  • When you enroll at the graduate level, your designated school official (DSO) may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience. Ask your DSO for details.
  • Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows that the DSO has approved you for this employment.
  • You can work on CPT either full-time or part-time. Ask your DSO for details.
  • CPT requires a signed cooperative learning agreements or a letter from your employer.
  • If you have 12 moths or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.

OPT

OPT approval is granted by USCIS and requires applications to be filed within a 90-day windows of the preferred start date. OPT applications must meet the following conditions:

  • OPT must relate to your major or course of study.
  • You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level.
  • Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows the DSO recommendation for this employment.
  • You must apply for work authorization by electronically filing a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS and paying a filing fee. USCIS will send you a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document," (EAD) upon approval of your Form I-765.
  • Wait to start work until after you receive your EAD.
  • While school is in session, you may only work 20 hours per week. No exceptions.
To apply, please visit the USCIS Form I-765 website. After you have gathered all necessary documents and completed the online Form I-765 (for e-filing), submit your application packet with e-filing receipt and I-538 to ISS for review. ISS will then issue a new Form I-20 to accompany your application materials and return the entire packet to you for shipment to the USCIS processing center for our region. It is your responsibility to ensure that these materials are sent to USCIS in a timely and verifiable manner.

17-Month OPT STEM Extension

  • You may qualify for an additional 17 months of OPT under the following circumstances:
    • The degree for your current period of post-completion OPT is a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) program recognized by USCIS. A list of recognized programs may be found here.
    • The employer from which you are seeking employment uses the E-Verify program. Learn more about E-Verify.
    • You have not previously received a 17-month extension of OPT.
  • Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows the DSO recommendation for this employment.
  • You must apply for work authorization by electronically filing a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS and paying a filing fee. USCIS will send you a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document,"(EAD) upon approval of your Form I-765.
  • You may continue to work on your expired EAD for OPT up to 180 days while your 17-month extension petition is pending if you meet these conditions:
    • You are currently in a period of post-completion OPT.
    • You properly and in a timely manner filed your application for the 17-month extension with USCIS.
  • You must report changes in name, address, employer and loss of employment to your DSO within 10 days of any change.
To apply, please visit the USCIS Form I-765 website. After you have gathered all necessary documents and completed the online Form I-765 (for e-filing), submit your application packet with e-filing receipt and I-538 for STEM Extension to ISS for review. ISS will then issue a new Form I-20 to accompany your application materials and return the entire packet to you for shipment to the USCIS processing center for our region. It is your responsibility to ensure that these materials are sent to USCIS in a timely and verifiable manner.

Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). http://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training

Authorities: 8 CFR 214.2 (f) (10)-(12) and 8 CFR 274a.12 (b) (6) (iv)

Job Seeker Resources

Finding a Job on Campus Workshop Presentation

Career Workshop Presentation for CPT/OPT

 
 
 

J-1 Academic Training

J-1 exchange students are permitted to engage in academic training programs, with or without wages or other renumeration, with the approval of the academic dean and advisor and the Exchange Program Responsible Officer (RO or ARO) Training may take place during the student's studies or not later than thirty (30) days after the completion of his or her studies.

Applicants for Academic Training must meet the following criteria:

  • You are in the US primarily for study in a full-time academic program.
  • You are in good academic standing at your educational institution.
  • You apply before the completion of your academic program.
  • You will participate in academic training that is directly related to your field of study.
  • Your employment.training must take place with the specific employer(s) noted on the academic training application and authorization letter.
  • You must receive an authorization letter from the RO or ARO.
  • Your DS-2019 is current and valid.
To apply for Academic Training, please complete the Academic Training Application and submit to ISS no later than 14 days prior to your planned start date. You will not be permitted to begin work until your application is approved. Working off-campus without or prior to receiving official approval will result in the termination of your DS-2019.