Off-Campus Employment for International Students

Off-Campus Employment for F-1 Students

• 12-Month Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows F-1 students to gain a maximum of 12 months of practical experience directly related to their field of study per higher degree level. It is considered off-campus employment

Students applying for permission for either before-completion of studies or after-completion of studies Optional Practical Training must attend a workshop offered by the International Student and Scholar Center. This workshop is offered a few times each semester.

OPT Checklist  

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Presentation       
 

OPT Request and Recommendation forms:

1. Graduate OPT Form
2. Undergraduate OPT Form 

• 17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training

Students who are currently on post-completion OPT and who received degrees in certain STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ) AND who are working for companies that are registered on E-Verify MAY be able to apply for an additional 17 months.. However, you may not apply until 90 days before the end of your current OPT.

For students (and their Employers) interested in OPT extension, here are the criteria, checklist and reporting requirements:

1. OPT Checklist 17 Months    
2. Department Codes - Program Department Codes for OPT

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students applying for Curricular Practical Training  must attend a workshop offered by the International Student and Scholar Center.  This workshop is offered a few times each semester.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Presentation  

CPT Letters for Approval:

1. Graduate Sample Letter     
2. Undergraduate Sample Letter  
   

Off-Campus Employment for J-1 Students

• Academic Training

 J-1 students are eligible for off-campus employment in the form of Academic Training. Students applying for Academic Training must attend a workshop offered by the International Student and Scholar Center.

Academic Training Presentation  

Academic training involves work, training, or experience related to a student’s field of study, and is often done after completion of the program of study.  Academic training may be paid or unpaid. Please see this separate section for details.  

Updated 06/24/2013