The table below provides a quick reference for understanding the differences between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), the two most common forms of off-campus work authorization available to F-1 students. Additional information is available under Current Students: Employment. For questions about a specific student situation or eligibility, please contact ISS at (520) 621-4627 (university staff) or come for advising (students).
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CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT) |
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) |
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| Description | Off-campus work authorization for internships and/or employment directly related to student’s major. CPT must be integral to the students’ program of study and fulfill an academic objective. It occurs before students complete their degree. | Off-campus work authorization for internships and/or employment directly related to student’s major. OPT does not have to satisfy an academic objective. It can occur before graduation (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion). |
| Eligibility Criteria |
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| Duration of Training (per degree level) | The number of times students can participate in CPT depends on their major and degree requirements and proof that the CPT opportunity is directly related to their major area of study and a required or integral part of the curriculum. U.S. immigration regulations require that CPT be used for employment that is a required or integral part of the curriculum and not solely for career development. | 12 months full-time OPT per higher degree level. Pre-completion OPT utilized will be subtracted from the time available for post-completion OPT (subtracted at half the rate if part-time pre-completion OPT). Students in designated STEM fields who meet eligibility requirements can apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT (available twice in their lifetime). |
| Granted By | International Student Services (ISS) | United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| Proof of Authorization | I-20 with CPT approval | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| How to Apply |
Submit the Curricular Practical Training e-form, with offer letter, in MyGlobal (template). |
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| Fee to Apply | No processing fee | $75 Case Management Fee to ISS and $410 application fee to the Department of Homeland Security |
| Processing Times | 10 business days | 10 business days for ISS and approximately 3-5 months for USCIS |
| Hours Per Week | Part-time (20 hours or less) during the semester Full-time (more than 20 hours) during the summer or (graduate students only) during the semester if all coursework is completed |
Pre-Completion OPT: Part-time (20 hours or less) during the semester, and full-time (more than 20 hours) during the summer or (graduate students only) during the semester if all coursework is completed Post-Completion OPT: Full-time (but students only need to work at least 20 hours/week) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Must enroll in appropriate internship, thesis, dissertation or research units (more information available on the ISS website) and continue to maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. | Internship units not required. Students must continue to maintain full-time enrollment while engaging in pre-completion OPT. |
| Academic Advisor’s Role | After the student initiates the e-form, you will receive an email link to the advisor portion of the e-form in MyGlobal. | After the student initiates the e-form, you will receive an email link to the advisor portion of the e-form in MyGlobal. |
| Reasons for Denial |
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