CPT & OPT

This section provides information about Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a type of off-campus work permission for F-1 students to gain experience directly related to their field of study.

What is CPT?

CPT allows F-1 students to engage in work experiences that are an integral part of their established curriculum. These experiences might be called:

• Internship
• Practicum
• Co-Op
• Student Teaching

Key Characteristics of CPT:

• It is an integral part of the established curriculum for a program of study.
• Work permission occurs BEFORE the I-20 program end date or graduation.

Eligibility Requirements for CPT

Your Designated School Official (DSO) in International Affairs can authorize CPT on your I-20 if you meet the following requirements:

• You are in a valid F-1 status at the time of application.
• You have been a full-time student for at least one academic year.
• You are not studying English as a second language.
• You are enrolled in a course for academic credit in your major that requires off-campus work.
• The internship course is written into your degree plan as a core requirement or an elective for your major.
• Training in your field of study is secured through a job offer letter.

Important: Do NOT work without the written authorization on page two of your I-20.

CPT Training Period

• Dates: Internship start and end dates must be within the specific semester term dates in which the course and training will take place.
• Hours:
  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Employment is limited to part-time (20 hours or less per week).
  • Summer Term: Employment may be full-time (21 hours or more per week).

CPT Authorization Process

The CPT authorization process involves several steps:

1. Student Action (Early Discussion): Discuss your desired training/internship/practicum with both the Texas A&M – San Antonio International Affairs office and your Academic Advisor or Program Chair before the academic term of your planned CPT.
   • Note: If your degree program requires multiple internships, you must complete this process and the forms below for each semester.
2. Student Action (Secure Job & Enroll): Secure a job offer (paid or unpaid) on employer letterhead and enroll in the appropriate course for academic credit.
3. Student Action (Submit Paperwork): Schedule an appointment with International Affairs to submit the required CPT paperwork with signatures from your internship supervisor, academic advisor, or program chair. This must be done at least 7-10 days before the add/drop period of the semester in which CPT will occur.
4. International Affairs DSO Action (Review & Determine): The International Affairs DSO reviews your request and determines your eligibility for CPT.
5. DSO Action (Authorize & Print I-20): The DSO authorizes CPT in SEVIS with employer details and specific start and end dates. They will then print and sign a new Form I-20 with the CPT work authorization clearly noted on page two.
6. Student Action (Sign & Begin Work): Sign the new I-20 and begin work on or after the CPT start date.

Crucial Warning: The student cannot start work prior to the CPT start date, and all work must end by the CPT end date. Working outside of the authorized CPT dates is a violation of the student’s visa status and may result in the termination of the F-1 visa or loss of future employment benefits in the USA.

Required Application Documents

The following documents must be submitted to the Office of International Affairs prior to the add/drop period to determine eligibility for CPT:

• Complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request Form. This form must be signed by the Student, Internship Supervisor, Academic Adviser, Program Chair, and DSO.
  • Click here for the CPT Application Form.
• Name and course number of the internship for which you will be earning credit, and the semester in which the course credit will be earned.
• Original, signed letter from prospective employer specifying:
  • Begin and end dates
  • Hours per week
  • If the position is paid or unpaid
  • Location of training/employment
• Current Passport (valid 6 months into the future)
• Current Visa
• Form I-94
• Copy of the student’s class schedule in which the student is enrolled for internship credit.
• Copy of student's degree plan showing the internship/practicum course.

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in March 2025. We recommend that all students consult with International Affairs and review official USCIS guidelines to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary employment authorization for F-1 students. While your Designated School Official (DSO) at the Office of International Affairs recommends OPT in the SEVIS system, it is important to understand that you, the student, must apply for the work permit directly with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If your OPT application is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also commonly known as a work permit.

Crucial Note: You must NOT begin working before the start date indicated on your EAD and before you have physically received the actual EAD card.

Types of OPT

There are several types of Optional Practical Training, each with specific conditions:

• Pre-Completion OPT:
  • Any portion of OPT used before the student’s I-20 Program End Date.
  • May be part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
• Post-Completion OPT:
  • Any portion of OPT used after the student’s I-20 Program End Date.
  • Employment must be at least 20 hours per week or full-time.
• 24-Month (STEM) OPT Extension:
  • Available for students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees as approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • To determine if your academic program is STEM-eligible, visit the official list: DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF)
• Cap-Gap OPT Extension:
  • For certain students whose prospective employers have filed a qualifying H-1B-cap subject petition on their behalf.
  • Learn more about this extension: H-1B Status and the Cap-Gap Extension (Study in the States)

OPT Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Optional Practical Training, you must meet the following criteria:

• You have been a full-time student for at least one academic year.
• You are not studying English as a Second Language.
• Your proposed employment directly relates to your major area of study.
• You have not used all the Optional Practical Training (OPT) available at your current educational level.
• You have not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Important Note: Full-time CPT completed at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the 12-month total that could affect your OPT eligibility. CPT completed at a different program level does not affect your OPT.

OPT Application Form

Click here for the OPT Application Form.

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in March 2025. We highly recommend that all students consult with the Office of International Affairs and review the official USCIS and Study in the States websites for the most current and accurate information.