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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
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You MUST have
already found a job before you can apply for CPT. Student may
engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location and period
approved and recorded by the DSO in SEVIS. Each internship
must be related to student's major and receive class credit for it.
ERC can help locate internships. These can be either paid or
unpaid.
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You should not plan on being able to
begin work earlier than 90 days after you send your recommendation
packet to USCIS. You MAY be able to, but there is no guarantee
and no way to expedite. |
Is
directly related to your major and is a particular job offer. You have received a
job/training offer from a prospective employer or through ERC or an
employee you have contacted personally.
Students may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location
and period approved and recorded by the DSO in SEVIS.
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Is NOT
directly related to a particular job, but must be within your major. It doesn't matter whether
or not you have received a job offer. |
Is a
required or optional part of the established curriculum for your
major, as listed in the course catalog as an internship,
practicum, work experience, or ERC opportunity and you must be
registered for such course throughout your CPT.
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Is
directly related to your major, but is not part of the
curriculum. |
Must be
done while you are enrolled as a full-time student in a
degree-seeking program; you may get permission to register
less-than-full-time during your graduating semester).
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Is
typically done following completion of at least course
requirements, usually following completion of all degree
requirements. |
| There is no
time limit, though one year full-time CPT will replace your
eligibility for OPT. (Any amount of part-time CPT will have no
effect on your eligibility for OPT). |
One year
allowed per person, per degree level (Bachelor's, Master's,
Doctorate) as you progress. You may not, for example, get OPT for a
second Bachelor's degree after beginning a Master's degree program.
Normally last for 12 months but may for certain majors be for 29
months.
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| CPT is
approved in the student development office by the DSO. |
OPT is
approved by the USCIS and could take up to 3 months after it is sent
to the USCIS to be approved or denied. NOTE: you are required
to depart the country 60 days after graduation unless you have been
approved by USCIS for OPT.
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