OPT & CPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion, the most common option taken by students). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

OPT Eligibility Requirements

• Be in lawful F-1 status.
• Be a full-time enrolled student for one academic year.
• Prior use of full-time CPT for one year or more eliminates eligibility for OPT.

Maximum Length

• The standard OPT period is a cumulative maximum of 12 months.
• Employment must be directly related to the student’s course of study.
• Employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid, to maintain legal F-1 OPT status.
• An F-1 may be eligible for another 12 months of OPT if they advance to a higher educational level.
• Some students may be eligible for an extension of their OPT based on a USCIS approved STEM degree.

How do I apply?

Eligible F-1 students may apply for post-completion OPT as early as 90 days before their Program End Date. Applying earlier is highly recommended as OPT application review times may take up to three-four months. You should be physically present in the U.S. when your OPT application is filed with USCIS.

1. Determine your start date for OPT.
   • Students may select an OPT start date as early as the day after the Program End Date and as late as 60 days from the Program End Date.
2. Request an updated I-20 with OPT recommendation.
   • Email iss@ju.edu with your desired start date. You have 30 days from the issue date to apply.
3. Gather the following documents:
   • Scan of I-20 with OPT recommendation from step two.
   • Scan of all previously issued CPT and/or OPT I-20s, if applicable.
   • Scan of any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards (front and back),
     if applicable.
   • Scan of your passport identification page (plus extension page, if applicable).
   • Digital color U.S. style passport photo of yourself taken within the last 6 months.
     • Please remember that photos submitted to USCIS must be unmounted and unretouched. Unretouched means the photos must not be edited or digitally enhanced. The submission of any mounted or retouched images will delay the processing of your application and may prompt USCIS to require you to visit an Application Support Center to verify your identity.
4. Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
   • As of April 2024, it costs $470 USD to file Form I-765 online, $520 USD by mail. Please review the USCIS Fee Schedule to check for the latest costs.
   • USCIS has the discretion to require biometrics appointments on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I begin OPT before I have received approval from USCIS and before I have received my EAD?

It is considered unauthorized employment and may jeopardize your legal status in the U.S.; you cannot begin working until you have the EAD in hand and the start date listed on it arrives, even if you have a pending OPT application.

What if I've been approved for OPT (or am on OPT) and decide to start pursuing another degree?

We can transfer your SEVIS record to your new school given an acceptance letter and school code. Your OPT will end effective immediately upon the release of your SEVIS record, so plan accordingly with your employer.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is structured training that is a regular part of your program of study whether required or optional; this is an F-1 benefit that may be used during your studies while you're a student. Examples include cooperative education, internship, practicum, work-study, etc. An application for CPT must be submitted to ISS and be approved before you can begin work.

CPT Eligibility Requirements

• Be offered an off-campus internship, co-op, work-study, etc.
• Receive at least one internship credit for the work experience.
  • Be aware that adding a CPT course may have an impact on your tuition and fees.
• Be in lawful F-1 status.
• For undergraduate-level students: be a full-time enrolled student for one academic year.
• For graduate-level students: may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience.
• Maintain a full course of study and remain in F-1 status during the period of employment.
• Can be approved for part-time (20 hours or less) or full-time (over 20 hours).
  • Use of full-time CPT for one year or more eliminates the eligibility for OPT.

Application Process

You may not begin employment until your application has been approved by ISS and you have received your new I-20. CPT must be renewed on a semesterly basis; you must obtain a new CPT I-20 for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer semesters. Please refer to the JU academic calendar when completing the Faculty Suport Form and Handshake Approval (use the "Classes Begin" and "Final Examination" dates).

1. Gather the following documents:
   • A letter written by you stating the responsibilities of the job and how they relate to your coursework/program of study.
   • Completion of the Faculty Support Form by student and faculty sponsor.
   • An offer letter from your employer (on letterhead) addressed to the Dean of Students which should include the following information:
     • Name of the employer issuing the paycheck and location of the employment.
     • Your proposed occupation including the title of your position, a detailed description of your duties, number of working hours per week, and the salary with clear indication of what entity will be issuing a paycheck.
     • The exact date when your employment is expected to begin, and the date employment will terminate (must align with semester dates for the course).
     • Clear indication that the employer understands that your employment authorization is to be under the terms of Curricular Practical Training which involves various restrictions including time limitations.
     • That the employer has not and will not terminate the employment of a lawful U.S. resident in order to hire you.
   • One of the two documents below:
     • For internships required by course: Class Syllabus with required internship experience clearly stated.
     • For internships not required by a course: Internship Verification Form from Handshake (obtained from the Career Design & Exploration Office). Once approved, you'll recieve a confirmation email must be forwarded to ISS).
2. ISS must receive all the above in order to approve your CPT and issue you an I-20 with CPT authorization. Your CPT approval dates can be found on page two of your I-20.
   • It is considered unauthorized employment if you begin your internship, co-op, work-study, etc. prior to receiving your I-20 with CPT authorization. Unauthorized employment is grounds for SEVIS termination.
3. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must build in time to apply for one at the local Social Security Administration Offices. If approved, it can take upwards of two weeks for your SSN card to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find an internship?

You can start your search on Handshake. You can also look at other databases such as LinkedIn, Indeed, directly on a company's website, via word of mouth, etc. We recommend you connect with the Career Design & Exploration Office to assist in this process and attend their semesterly events which often brings potential employers onto campus. Career Design & Exploration can also assist with resume and cover letter development.

How and when do I apply for CPT?

CPT must be approved and an I-20 issued prior to beginning your practical training opportunity. Since the start date is supposed to align with semester dates, we recommend you start the initial approval or renewal process at least 30 days prior to the end of the current term. Handshake approvals must be approved prior to the add/drop date of that term.