OPT / CPT Workshops

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations as "temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study."  It must be at a level that is commensurate with the student's degree level.

OPT can be used before and/or after a student completes a program of study.  A student must be in legal F-1 status in order to be eligible to apply. In addition, a student must also have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year.  No offer of employment is required to apply.  In fact, students are strongly advised to apply early, preferably at the beginning of the last term of enrollment.

Students have a total of 12 months of OPT.  As permitted by DHS, students may use these 12 months either before and/or after completion of studies.  Full-time OPT is defined as more than 20 hours per week while part-time OPT is defined as 20 hours or less per week.

Students must apply to DHS for the work permission through the Office of International Student Affairs.  You must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your hands before you can begin working.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as training that must be "an integral part of an established curriculum."  The employment must be directly related to a student's current major field of study.  If the work is not a required or an elective component of a student's degree program, the student must apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Am I eligible? CPT can only be used during a student's program of study.  A student must be in legal F-1 status in order to be eligible to apply.  In addition, a student must also have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year. Graduate students in programs that require immediate participation in CPT may have the academic year requirement waived.

Students are not limited (in theory) to the amount of CPT they may use. However, students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for ANY OPT.