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Practical Training (CPT/OPT)

Practical Training

Practical Training is employment which enables an F-1 student, to gain professional work experience directly related to their major field of study. It is very important that you obtain the appropriate permission from USCIS and/or the Office for Global Education before starting a job or internship off-campus. Working without authorization will jeopardize your current student status and affect your future plans to visit the U.S. 

In order to be eligible, students must be a degree candidate who has been a full-time student in F-1 status or has attended school in lawful non-immigrant status prior to changing to F-1 for at least one academic year (two semesters).

There are two types of practical training available:

  1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  2. Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

All employment authorization is automatically terminated whenever a student fails to maintain F-1 status, full-time registration or transfers schools.

 

Helpful links:

ITIN, Social Security Numbers, and Taxes