Optional Practical Training-Curricular Practical Training
Many international students have opportunities to work on campus. If your I-20 was issued by WSU, you are eligible to work on campus while you attend the university.
Check the rules carefully. You will need to comply with strict regulations established by the U.S. government and the state of Washington. Please contact International Programs International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions.
Which is right for you?
| Requirements | OPT | CPT |
|---|---|---|
| Employment options | -Allows eligible F-1 students to work or intern within their major area of study -Maximum of 12 months of full-time work for post-completion OPT. If you are in a STEM degree program, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension | -Allows F-1 students to work off-campus in job or an internship that is an integral part of their degree program -May be approved for part-time or full-time |
| When to participate | -Most students use their 12 months of OPT after they finish their degree. This is known as post-completion OPT | After completing at least 1 full academic year, but before finishing your degree program |
| Eligibility | -Undergraduate and non-thesis graduate students are eligible following their last semester of study -Graduate thesis students can choose to end their program early and apply for OPT, but it is not required. Many wait until the semester they defend their thesis. | -Requires an internship offer -You are authorized to work only for a specific employer -12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT at the same educational level -The internship must be a documented part of the curriculum of your program of study |
| Requirements | -Full-time employment (20+ hours per week) -Position may be paid or volunteer -Position must be directly related to the student’s major field of study | -The internship must be connected to a course required for the student’s major field of study -Course title, number, and credits are determined by the student’s academic department -Enrollment is required for CPT, even in the summer |
| Application | -Apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Processing may take up to 3 months. -Upon approval, you will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card Your academic department will -Verify completion of all required courses for the program (for the graduate students who are ABD) -Verify your expected program completion date (for post-completion OPT) WSU Office of International Programs will -Verify your eligibility – Recommend OPT in SEVIS -Create your OPT I-20, which you will use to apply for OPT to USCIS | -Apply for CPT through the WSU International Programs via myPassport -Processing time is about 1 week. -Upon approval, you will be issued a CPT I-20 form Your academic department will -Determine whether CPT is an integral part of your academic program -Determine enrollment requirements (e.g., internship course, research credits) -Recommend CPT WSU International Programs will -Verify your eligibility -Determine on a case-by-case basis whether CPT is appropriate if a program does not have a required internship -Authorize CPT in SEVIS -Create your CPT I-20 that shows eligibility to work under CPT |
Eligibility and regulations
Get authorization before you work. Working without proper authorization can lead to your visa being revoked. Not knowing the rules is not an excuse for unauthorized employment.
If you are an F-2 dependent, you may not be employed under any conditions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prohibits employment for F-2 visa holders.