Academic/Practical Training (CPT/OPT/AT)

International students at Columbia Business School have several pathways to gain professional experience in the U.S. that directly relates to their field of study. Depending on your visa status (F-1 or J-1) and whether you are currently enrolled or graduating, you may utilize:
 
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT): For F-1 students seeking credit-bearing internships during their degree.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT): For F-1 students to work for up to 12 months following graduation.
  • Academic Training (AT): For J-1 students to engage in work either during or immediately after their program.

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 & Duration

  • Basic Eligibility: You must have completed two consecutive full-time semesters in active F-1 status or be enrolled in the Global Business Track.
     
  • General Requirement: You must work at least 10 hours per week.
     
  • Fall/Spring Semesters: Employment must be part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) and last at least six weeks.
     
  • Summer Semester:
    • Standard F-1: Minimum four weeks for full-time offers or six weeks for part-time.
    • Global Business Track: Minimum six weeks; offers must be full-time.
    • Hours: Only September-entering students with a full summer break may work more than 20 hours per week.
 
Program Registration Limits
 
Total internship course registrations allowed per program:
 
  • MBA & MS Financial Economics (MSFE): Three (3) total.
  • MS Accounting (MSAFA) & MS Marketing (MSM): Two (2) total.
  • Global Business Track: One (1) registration each for B8814, B8811, and B8813.
 
Authorization Procedure
 
  • Canvas Course: Complete the mandatory CPT online course and save the completion certificate (valid for 6 months).
  • Initial Submission: Submit the F-1 CPT Request Form and an official employer letter (on letterhead with specific dates, location, hours, and duties - sample form) via the school’s online form.
  • Academic Review: The school verifies the internship’s applicability to your degree.
  • Course Enrollment: Upon approval, you are enrolled in your program’s mandatory internship course (e.g., B8811-14, B9097, B9397, or B9697).
  • ISSO Filing: Submit the signed CPT Request Form, employer letter, and I-94 record to the ISSO via Compass.
  • Timeline: Submit documents to ISSO at least 10 business days before your start date. ISSO takes 10 business days to issue a new I-20.

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)

OPT provides up to 12 months of employment in your field of study after graduation.

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

J-1 Academic Training (AT)

AT allows J-1 students to apply knowledge from their program through paid or unpaid work.

OARR can provide you with the academic training letter of recommendation that you will need to submit to ISSO. Everything else that you need for your application is listed on the ISSO Academic Training website.

In order to write your letter, OARR will need the following information:
 

  • Attach offer letter on company letterhead
  • Company Name:
  • Company Address:
  • Program Contact Name:
  • Program Contact Phone Number:
  • Start Date:
  • End Date:
  • Training in the area of (e.g., Marketing, Financial Planning, etc.):
  • Job Title:
  • Hours per week:
  • Salary (per week/hour/year):
  • Explanation of how the training is directly related to my field of study (i.e.):
    • It will provide professional experience in [your field], with an emphasis on [specific skills or focus].
    • Learning how to [key skills or competencies].
    • Training in the field of [industry or specialization], while acquiring knowledge of [relevant areas such as finance, operations, etc.].

Once you have gathered all of the information above, please email OARR to request your academic training letter of recommendation.