CPT & OPT Guide for F-1 Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students is a temporary authorization for practical training directly related to your major field of study—paid or unpaid.  “Practical training” can include Employment and Internship experience (paid or unpaid).

CPT AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY

Students must secure employment directly related to their program of study before CPT can be authorized. Additionally, students must satisfy the following academic and status requirements:

• Be enrolled in a full course of study
• Be in lawful full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year (two full semesters, including final exams week)
• Be in good academic standing with the university.
• CPT must be an integral part of your program of study.
• CPT must be related to a specific academic course.
• English Language Learning students (Mentora students) and exchange students are not eligible for CPT, unless participating in approved volunteer opportunities.
• Students must obtain DSO’s endorsement on the Form I-20 and not begin CPT before the CPT start date indicated on the form.

CPT APPLICATION OVERVIEW

• Confirm eligibility with the Academic Advisor and DSO office.
• Obtain a job/internship offer
• Request the DSO a CPT Request Form
• Submit via email to [email protected]
  • CPT Request Form including Academic Advisor’s signature of approval of practical training
  • Copies of all previous I-20s (from BAU and other institutions if applicable)
  • Copy of Passport, Visa, and I-94
  • Job/Internship letter including start and end date.
    • Review the offer letter with your Academic Advisor to ensure that new employment duties or internships fulfill the training requirements related to your program of study.

• Submit your employment letter, completed CPT request form, and additional required documents to the DSO office to receive final approval of your CPT.

• • No USCIS application is required for CPT.
  • Allow the DSO office 4 to 5 business days to process your request in SEVIS. DSO will provide you the I-20 showing the CPT Approval on page 2 of the I-20 Form
• You cannot begin work until your CPT has been approved and the CPT start date printed on your I-20 has been reached.

CPT AUTHORIZATION CAN BE

FALL – SPRING

• Part-time (20 hours per week or less) when class is in session.

SUMMER:

• Full-time (more than 20 hours per week)
  • Students must have completed one year of studies.
  • Students must enroll in class after summer in the following Fall Semester.

Students on CPT must not exceed 11 months!

• FULL-TIME CPT: Students who accumulate 12 months (365 or more days) of full-time CPT authorization lose their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Multiple overlapping, part-time CPTs will count as full-time CPT days for OPT eligibility.
• PART TIME CPT: Students may be authorized for part-time CPT, limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week. While there is no limit on the duration of part-time CPT, students must avoid accumulating 11 months or more of full-time CPT to remain eligible for OPT.
• SEMESTER-BASED APPROVAL: Students are required to meet with their Academic Advisor each semester to receive approval or renew their CPT as part of their program of study.
• CPT TIMING: CPT training may be authorized for a specific period within the length of the semester.
  • Students can apply for and engage in practical training during the semester. CPT must align with the academic calendar, ensuring that work experience is integrated into their academic schedule.
  • Students may start working after CPT is approved in SEVIS.

CPT DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

• CPT Request Form including the Academic Advisor’s signature of approval
• Copy of Passport, Visa, and I-94
• Job Offer / Employment Letter on company letterhead including:
  • Company Address and phone number.
  • Supervisor’s contact information including email address
  • Employment location and start date
  • Job title
  • Description of Job Duties
  • Part-time/Full-time work status and number of hours per week
  • Describe how the job is related to the program of study (Mandatory)

AFTER CPT APPROVAL

• Review your CPT authorization (printed on page 2 of your new I-20).
• Notify DSO of any changes, such as ending the training position early, not doing the job, etc.
• If your CPT position is paid, use your new I-20 with CPT approval and your passport and I-94 record as proof of your eligibility to work. These documents may be used to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 that all U.S. employers must complete.

REQUIREMENTS DURING CPT PERIOD:

• Remain a full-time enrolled student throughout your CPT period, except Summer, unless summer is your last semester of studies.
• Your I-20 must remain valid throughout the authorized CPT.
• Submit weekly reports to your academic advisor. Contact your academic advisor directly for details.
• A university representative will visit the student CPT workplace to verify if they are working.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 students with an opportunity for hands-on work experience (work authorization) related to the academic field of study. Students must first request the OPT recommended I-20 from the DSO before submitting their OPT application to obtain OPT work authorization from USCIS.

TYPES OF OPT:

OPT authorization can be:

• Pre-Completion: OPT used while you are still enrolled in your course of study, before your program end date, is called “pre-completion” OPT. Pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT eligibility, and most students prefer to save OPT for after program completion. You may start the OPT application process up to 90 days before your requested employment start date.
• Post-Completion: OPT authorization that begins after completion of your academic program is called “post-completion” OPT. This is the most common type of OPT. Post-completion OPT is full-time, and it can begin:
  – After you complete your degree or exchange program
  – After you complete all course requirements for your degree, excluding thesis or equivalent

ELIGIBILITY:

• You are currently in F-1 status.
• You have been enrolled in a full course of study for one academic year (Two semesters, including final exams’ weeks) or will complete one academic year by the date the OPT approval begins.
• You have not been authorized for a total of 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Multiple overlapping, part-time CPTs would count toward this limit; otherwise, part-time CPT does not affect OPT.
• You do not need a job offer first; you can apply for the 12-month OPT authorization without a job offer.
• You have not previously completed 12 months of OPT at the same degree level.
• You are eligible for 12 months of full-time OPT per academic level, when changing to a higher educational level. For example, you may apply for 12 months of OPT after completing a bachelor’s degree and then another 12 months after completing a master’s degree.

OPT APPLICATION OVERVIEW

Confirm your eligibility by submitting via email to [email protected]. You must complete the OPT Request Form (DOWNLOAD OPT FORM HERE) and explain why you wish to pursue an OPT or how your future jobs will be related to your career or program of study.

Students must:

• Request to DSO the OPT recommended I-20 before sending I-765 Form to USCIS and submit OPT application to USCIS after receiving the recommended I-20 from DSO.
• Students may apply for OPT no more than 90 days before the last day of class and no later than 60 days after completing their degree: On the BAU website Check BAU’s Academic Calendar “Finals” to confirm the last day of the semester. The I-20 End Date will be updated to reflect the last day of the semester following the Academic Calendar.
• Ensure you have all the required documents to apply for your OPT Authorization based on USCIS instructions. See “Document Checklist”
• Submit your application to USCIS within 30 days of DSO endorsement: If you receive your recommended I-20 before the graduation date, USCIS must receive your OPT application before the last day or the new program End date on your I-20 on your I-20.
• Allow USCIS three to four months to process your OPT application
• Follow up on your application with DSO and USCIS until you receive the Receipt Notice: Contact the DSO office if you receive an RFE “Request for Evidence” USCIS notice that requires further documentation from the student or the school.
• A USCIS Approval Notice does not allow you to work; you must wait for USCIS to deliver the physical Employment Authorization/EAD before you can start working.

OPT APPROVAL NEXT STEPS

Please forward to the DSO office a scan of the USCIS approval Notice and your EAD card

SEVP PORTAL ACCOUNT

• • Check your email to find a notice of approval of your OPT from SEVIS and instructions to create your SEVP portal account. DSOs do not have access to students’ SEVP portal accounts but only students.  Consult the SEVP Portal Student User Guide for instructions on how to use the portal: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/assets/SEVP%20Portal%20Student%20User%20Guide.pdf

UNEMPLOYMENT DAYS

• • Be aware that “The total number of days allowed for unemployment during the entire employment period is 90 days.” You may distribute the 90 days throughout your OPT year.  If you exceed the limit of unemployment days, your I-20 may be terminated by SEVIS due to Failure to comply with OPT employment requirements, and you will be out of status.  The 90 days start counting from the Approval Date on your EAD Card.

EMPLOYMENT LETTER

• • When you find a job, please forward the employment letter to the DSO office for review.
  • All changes or updates related to employment or personal information, such as U.S. address, telephone number, or email address, must be updated to SEVIS within 10 days.

DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

1. Original Form G-1145 to allow USCIS to notify you when they accept your application (not a copy).
2. Original Form I-765 (from your ISSO OPT I-20 application), signed in dark blue or black ink only (not a copy). Must include all pages of I-765, even if pages are blank. For more instructions to fill out the form, please refer to: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-765instr.pdf
3. $410 USCIS fee payable by:
   –Recommended method: Personal check from a U.S. checking account or bank check, or money order, payable to the “Department of Homeland Security”. Write “USCIS I-765” in the memo line, OR
   –Credit card via Form G-1450. Must use U.S. credit card and U.S. billing address, and sign the form. If using as a debit card, make sure your account has sufficient funds!
4. A copy of your signed and dated OPT I-20. Please be sure to sign and date your I-20. Send a copy, not the original which you can use for Travel During OPT.
5. Copies of all previously-issued I-20(s). If you have lost any I-20s, please include a short explanation. You may edit this sample letter.
6. Copy of your Passport Identification page (valid 6 months into the future).
7. Copy of your F-1 entry visa (Canadians are exempt). If you changed your status to F-1 in the U.S. and don’t have a visa, include your Change of Status approval notice.
8. Copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record (click “Get Most Recent I-94” at i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)
9. Two U.S. passport style photos using standards from the Department of State website and be aware that:
   a) photos cannot be more than 30 days old when you send the application
   b) you should write your name on the back of each photo in pencil
   c) you can take your photos at UPS Stores (603 West 115th Street & 42 Tiemann Place), among other places
10. Photocopy of both sides of any previously issued EAD card(s)
11. Copy of official transcript (Pre-Completion OPT ONLY)

During the Post-Completion OPT Period:

You should be employed at least 20 hours per week in activities directly related to your major. Regardless of your job title or how the position is classified, such as an “intern,” “temp,” “freelance contractor,” etc.

• Multiple employers: you may work in your field of study for more than one employer.
• Employment in your field of study through an agency or consulting firm.
• Volunteer service: you may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern in your field of study, as long as this does not violate any labor laws.

Requirements during OPT:

• OPT authorizes employment/practical training that is related to your major area of study and commensurate with your level of education.
• OPT does NOT authorize employment unrelated to your major area of study.

If you work in a job unrelated to your major area of study, or that does not meet the government’s requirements for your type of OPT you are in violation of your F-1 status. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can terminate a student’s F-1 SEVIS record if a student works in a position unrelated to their studies. A terminated SEVIS record cancels OPT authorization and invalidates F-1 status in the U.S.

USCIS requires students to file for the STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before their current OPT period expires.

“If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, we will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.”

ELIGIBILITY

For Eligibility Requirements, visit the USCIS website:

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-extension-for-stem-students-stem-opt

APPLICATION PROCESS

“Federal Regulations require the DSO OPT recommendation on the student SEVIS record before the Form I-765 is submitted”

• Complete Form I-983 with your prospective employer and send it to the DSO for revision.
• To download the I-983 and instructions to complete the form click below:
  • Form I-983 Overview | Study in the States (dhs.gov)
  • https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983Instructions.pdf
• The DSO will recommend the STEM extension in SEVIS. I-983 must be filled out correctly.
• You must be employed and must provide an updated employment letter.
• You will receive the updated I-20 reflecting the STEM extension recommendation on page 2.
• Submit your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS within 60 days after the DSO enters the recommendation for STEM OPT into your SEVIS record and before your OPT ends.

EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS

“An F-1 student interested in participating in the STEM OPT extension must select a prospective employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program. This means employers wishing to sponsor STEM OPT trainees must be E-Verify participants.” E-Verify Links below:

• Understanding E-Verify | Study in the States (dhs.gov)
• Do you want to know which employers are enrolled in E-Verify? | Study in the States (dhs.gov)
• Reminder: STEM OPT Students Must Train with Bona Fide Employers | Study in the States (dhs.gov)