A B O U T   T H E   O P T / C P T

There are two types of practical trainings available to F1 full-time students.

A Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is allowing you to work off-campus in order to gain practical skills and knowledge during the course of your studies. You have to have been enrolled full-time for at least one year before becoming eligible for a CPT. 

• ​Your CPT job may be part-time (less than 20 hours a week) or full-time (more than 20 hours a week). Note that if you complete a full-time CPT for 365 days or more, you will lose eligibility for an OPT.
• You must have an employer before applying and being approved for a CPT.
• It must be directly related to your course of studies.
• It can be paid or unpaid.
• You can renew your CPT each semester, as long as you are still enrolled as a full-time F1 student.

An Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month* work authorization, which you may use before graduating (pre-completion OPT) or upon graduating (post-completion OPT).

• Pre-completion OPT: if you have been enrolled as a full-time student for at least one year you may qualify for a pre-completion OPT for up to 20 hours per week (while school is in session). Please note that the amount of time you participated in pre-completion OPT will be deducted from your post-completion OPT. For example, if you completed 3 months of pre-completion OPT, you will only be eligible for 9 months of post-completion OPT.
• Post-completion OPT: this is your 12-month* (less any time on pre-completion) work authorization. You may choose to work part-time or full-time. You can apply prior to having found a job or once you have found a job. You are also allowed to change jobs during your OPT but cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days.

*Students in STEM programs can apply for a 24-month extension in addition to their 12-month OPT.

H O W   T O   A P P L Y   F O R   A N   O P T

You can apply up to 90 days prior to graduating (date determined as the 'program end date' on your I-20) and no later than 60 days after that date.

You must download the I-765 application from the USCIS website and complete it. OPT Hires can assist you in completing this form, ad you may also ask help from your international student office on your campus. There is a $495 fee to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which can be paid by check or money order. You will have to include two recent (30 days or less) passport-style pictures to your application.

You will need to make copies of your passport (picture-page), I-20(s), F-1 visa, and print your I-94 online. Present all documents to your international student office for review. They will then issue a new I-20 with an OPT recommendation (this usually takes 1-2 weeks to be completed) and confirm your application is ready to be mailed to USCIS.

You may not start working until you have received your EAD card and until the start date listed on your card. You can, however, start working later than the start date listed.

TIP: complete the form G-1145 if you want to receive text notification of application receipt and updates.

O N C E   Y O U R   O P T   A P P L I C A T I O N   I S   S U B M I T T E D

It usually takes around 3 months for your application to be reviewed and approved. If you signed up for text notification, you will be notified once your application has been received. You can also check your bank account to see if the check for the filing fee has been cashed in. USCIS sends you a I-797 Notice of Action confirming receipt of your application, with a receipt number on it. With this receipt number you can check online the status of your case. 

Once approved, USCIS will mail you your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) as shown below. Your employment authorization dates will be listed on the card. 

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