• You must have completed at least one academic year with the same SEVIS number (found at the top left side of page 1 of the I-20). 

• You must apply prior to the end of the 60 day grace period following the quarter/term in which all requirements for graduation are met (for graduate students this means all degree requirements except dissertation/thesis/project). 

• Can I travel while on OPT? 

• Please refer to our travel webpage for detailed information about traveling while on OPT. 

• Are there any circumstances in which an international student can volunteer off-campus and NOT need authorization?  Does all off campus volunteering require CPT authorization? 

• Off-campus volunteer work is always tricky and you should always consult with your SISS advisor before undertaking it.  If the volunteer work is related to your major, you must obtain CPT authorization before starting it.  In other cases we would want t

• You must be in good academic and immigration status. 
• You must have completed at least one full academic year under your current SEVIS ID#/record.
• You must be pursuing a full course of study, except during official school breaks and vacations. 
• CPT is considered off-campus employment (paid or unpaid) and requires authorization from SISS before you can begin. 
• If an internship is not required for you

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization permits F-1 students to take an off-campus job (work/study, internship, cooperative education, or practicum) that is directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their educational level.  

Students in F-1 status who are currently on OPT can extend their work authorization an additional 24-months total if they meet certain criteria. Students who extend are required to maintain their F-1 status under STEM OPT Extension regulations.  Official Department of Homeland Security guidance on the STEM OPT Extension regulations can be used as a resource if needed. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives an F-1 student the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a degree program through off-campus employment after completion of all degree requirements. 

Employment approval can take several weeks to 90 days or more, so careful planning is required. We recommend submitting your OPT request in the earliest timeframe possible according the OPT Timelines below.”

Students in J-1 status may accept employment under certain conditions. If you have questions about or would like to determine your eligibility for J-1 employment, please contact Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS).

Academic Training is authorization that allows a student to participate in practical training directly related to the major field of study.