Practical Training Employment "Practical training" is work which is directly related to your major field of study. It may occur either before or after completion of your studies, and may be performed anywhere in the U. S. You must submit an application through CIS and be granted written authorization before beginning employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT
employment/training must be an integral part of the student's
program of study, not simply related to the major field of study.
USCIS
regulations define Curricular Practical Training as
(1) work which is
an integral part of the established curriculum;
(2) alternate
work/study;
(3) internship;
(4) practicum;
(5) cooperative
education; or
(6) required* internship or practicum offered through
cooperative agreements with the school
*CPT is not necessarily limited
to work experiences which are required for program completion.
Both paid and unpaid employment requires
prior authorization from Capstone International Services.
Students may not volunteer for a position for which someone is
normally paid.
CPT Information and Sample Documents:
- General Information and Procedures
- CPT Request Form
- CPT Co-Op Authorization
- Required Memo (sample)
- Alternative Memo (sample)
- Dissertation-Thesis-Project Memo (sample)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed to provide F-1 students with an opportunity to gain actual employment experience in his/her chosen field of study. Its purpose is to complement the student's academic studies. This opportunity is an F-1 privilege, not a right. Students maintain their F-1 status throughout the OPT period and are considered to be UA students for immigration purposes until the expiration date of the EAD (also known as Employment Authorization Document, Form I-688B, or Form I-766) or until our office receives confirmation of change of status, at which time the electronic SEVIS record will be closed.
OPT Information and Forms: