CPT/OPT Workshop

CPT vs. OPT

What is CPT?CPT or Curricular Practical Training is an off-campus

employment option for F-1 students.

The internship (training experience) MUST be considered to be an integral part of the curriculum and directly related to the student’s major area of study.• Training that is required for all students• Training is required for a particular course or major

• DSO authorization required• No application fee or USCIS authorization for CPT

CPT vs. OPTWhat is OPT?

OPT or Optional Practical Training is an employment option available to F-1 students for employment directly related to the major area of study. • 12 month period of OPT per higher degree level.• 17 month STEM Extension OPT may be possible for some

students.

• Pre-Completion OPT• Part-time or Full-time employment during the student’s annual

vacation and holiday breaks, and intend to register for the next term.

• Employment while school is in session (not to exceed 20hrs/week)

• Post-Completion OPT

• After completion of all course requirements for the degree, excluding thesis or equivalent

• DSO authorization required• Application fee and USCIS authorization required

A closer look at CPT…To be eligible for CPT, you must:

1. Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year (9 Months)

2. Have a declared major

3. Have a job/internship offer directly related to your major area of study

CPT Regulations• No limit on the number of times or the length of time a

student may engage in part-time or full-time CPT• The use of 12 months of full-time CPT affect eligibility for OPT

at the same education level• May engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location,

and period approved• Must have an offer of employment from an employer offering

work that qualifies as CPT• MUST receive authorization from ISS advisor (Aleta or Soha)

BEFORE starting employment• Must continue to maintain a full-course of study in F-1 status

during period of employment.

How to request CPT• Have a job offer letter (document how job is related to major)

The employer must provide the you a written offer on official letterhead. The following information must be included in the letter:

• Employer Name• Employer Address – and location where student will work• Employment Start and End Dates• Number of Hours Expected to Work Per Week (Full-Time or Part-Time)• Position Title• Position Description• Name of Immediate Supervisor (if known)

• Internship Approval form signed by academic advisor (this form is available from the ISS office)

• Make appointment with the ISS office (bring all documentation of CPT employment)

• If your CPT is approved, a new Form I-20 with the CPT employment authorization will be issued.

Questions about CPT?

A Closer look at OPT

To be eligible for OPT, you must:

1. Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year (9 Months)

2. Have completed degree program

3. Have not used full-time CPT for 12 months or more

OPT Regulations

• Employment must be directly related to your academic major and be commensurate with your educational level

• Standard OPT time per degree level is 12 months• the 12-month allotment per degree level may be divided into

various segments (Pre-Completion or Post-Completion OPT)

• Post-Completion OPT• Used after degree program completion• start date must fall within 60 days of program completion

• MUST receive authorization from ISS advisor (Aleta or Soha)• USCIS application, application fee of $380, and approval is required

before employment can start• Unemployment Limit of 90 days starting from OPT start date

OPT Con’t…• During Post-Completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon

employment. • Students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90

days of unemployment during any Standard Post-Completion OPT.

• For Post-Completion OPT, the employment does NOT have to be paid employment as long as there is no violation of labor laws, but must be at least 20 hours a week.

• interning or volunteering in a position directly related to the academic field

• work for hire (contractual relationship)• employment through an agency

How to Request OPT• Pick-up an OPT Application packet from ISS office• Review any prior CPT or Pre-Completion OPT with your ISS

advisor (Aleta or Soha)• Complete all requirements of the OPT Application• Make appointment with ISS office to review application packet• Receive new Form I-20 with OPT authorization from DSO

(Aleta or Soha)• Mail application packet to USCSI• WAIT…

Employment Authorization Card (EAD)

What does this mean???

Can I travel on OPT? • Recommended Travel:

• Before the expiration of your I-20, with I-20 travel signature• With EAD, signed I-20 for travel, valid visa, passport, letter from

employer

• Not Recommended to Travel:

• Before I-20 has expired but OPT application is still pending and you have NO job offer letter (not prohibited but may cause issues at the port of entry VERY RISKY)

• Before I-20 has expired but OPT application is still pending and you have a job offer letter (not prohibited but may cause issues at the port of entry)

• I-20 has expired

• If your F-1 visa has expired and you will need to apply for a new one.

• While STEM Extension is pending you should not travel outside the US

What is my status while on OPT?

While you are on OPT you are still considered an F-1 student at Brockport.

Therefore you must:• Notify the ISS office of any address changes to

iss@brockport.edu

• Have your I-20 signed for travel by the ISS office

• Decide if you want to keep your HTH health insurance (there can be no break in coverage)

• Report employment information (name, address, interruption of employment) and changes to employment to the ISS office at iss@brockport.edu

Any Questions?

Contact the ISS office at iss@brockport.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.