Optional and Curricular Practical Training (CPT/OPT) For MS and PhD Students

F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Under current regulations, international students holding F-1 visas can be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provided they meet eligibility and procedural requirements. CPT is authorized employment pursuant to an internship elective that earns academic credit.

Eligibility Requirements:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can be authorized for students who have completed at least two consecutive semesters of study in active F-1 status

Employment Duration:
Minimum employment durations vary depending on the semester of authorization and application type, but in all cases, you must work at least ten (10) hours per week:

  • For students who have completed at least two consecutive semesters of study in active F-1 status
    • Summer Semester: four (4) weeks minimum duration if offers are on a full-time basis; six (6) weeks minimum duration if offers are on a part-time basis
    • Fall/Spring Semester – six (6) weeks minimum duration; offers can only be on a part-time basis

Under your F-1 visa, you cannot work more than 20 hours a week during an academic semester, so please plan accordingly. Students with a complete summer break are eligible to work more than 20 hours a week, and during the summer semester only.

CPT Authorization Procedure:

  • Submit the completed F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request Form, along with a letter from your employer (confirming the exact start and end dates of the internship) by clicking here.
  • We will review the offer for appropriateness and applicability to the degree program, approved applications will be completed, signed, and returned.
  • An approved and returned CPT request form is confirmation of registration into your program's internship course. Enrollment in this course is required in order for ISSO to authorize CPT.
    • Students who have completed at least two consecutive semesters of study in active F-1 status will be enrolled in:
    • B9097/MS Accounting Internship (Fall, Spring, Summer) -- If Qualified
    • B9397/MS Financial Economics Internship (Fall, Spring, Summer) -- If Qualified
    • B9697/MS Marketing Economics Internship (Fall, Spring, Summer) -- If Qualified
    • B9899/PhD Field Studies Internship (Fall, Spring, Summer) -- If Qualified
  • Submit the required documents as instructed on this page via ISSO's online process. The required documents are listed below:
    • A copy of the CPT Employer Letter which must contain the following (ISSO has provided an example letter, but do not submit this):
      • be on official company letterhead
      • have a specific start date and a specific end date (the dates must fall within the current academic semester)
      • include the location where your work will be performed
      • include the number of hours per week you will work
      • include a description of your position duties
      • be signed and dated by your employer
    • The completed F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request Form.
    • Your most recent I-94 arrival record.
  • The above-listed documentation can be submitted to ISSO as early as 90 days but no less than 10 days before you wish to begin employment.
  • ISSO will update your SEVIS record for CPT authorization and issue a new I-20.  ISSO will email you when the new I-20 is ready to be picked up. The ISSO recommendation requires 10 working days for processing.

The number of total registrations into your particular internship seminar will vary by program. Students must have completed at least two consecutive semesters of study in active F-1 status are eligible to take the seminar in any semester, below are the guidelines by program :

  • B9899 for PhD Students: Four
  • B9397 for MSFE Students: Three
  • B9097 for MSAFA Students: Two
  • B9697 for MSM Students: One


If you have any additional questions about CPT or other matters relating to your F-1 status, please refer to the ISSO website or contact the ISSO at [email protected].

 

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Employment related to your field of study immediately after completion of your studies, authorized by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) through the issuance of an EAD card (Employment Authorization Document). OPT is permitted for a period of up to a maximum of twelve months.

For more information about OPT, please refer to the ISSO website or contact the ISSO at [email protected].