Employment for International Students

Definition: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is directly related to your major and an integral part of your academic program. This includes internships or similar work experiences required for degree completion. The internship must be part of a required course listed in the college catalog.

Example: A Nursing student completing clinical hours.

Eligibility
To be eligible for CPT, you must:

• Be a matriculated student who has maintained full-time F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
  • If part of this time was spent in a study abroad program, you must have completed at least one full term of study in the U.S. before going abroad (8 CFR 214.2).
• Have an internship offer letter from your employer that includes:
  • Start and end dates
  • Weekly work hours
  • Detailed job description showing the internship’s relevance to your program
  • Employment location
• Obtain written CPT authorization from the Coordinator of International Student Services. Authorization is employer-, location-, and date-specific.

Application Procedure
Submit the following to the Coordinator of International Student Services at least 10 days (and no more than 90 days) before your intended start date:

1. Form I-538 (PDF) - complete Section A and sign
2. Your current and all previous I-20s
3. Your passport and I-94 card
4. A letter from your faculty advisor stating that the internship is required for degree completion and approved by your academic department
5. The employer’s internship offer letter (as described above)

Once all documents are received, the Coordinator will:

• Review your application
• If approved, enter your information in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 with CPT authorization

Important Considerations

• You must remain enrolled full-time during the academic year while on CPT.
• Report any legal name or physical address changes to the Coordinator within 10 days of the change.
• You may begin CPT only after receiving an I-20 with CPT authorization.
• CPT over 20 hours per week is considered full-time CPT.
• There is no limit to the amount of CPT used. However, if you engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), unless you leave the U.S. for five months or more and then meet the eligibility requirements again.
• You must complete the CPT application process before leaving campus or starting employment.

Definition: Optional Practical Training (OPT) before completion of degree allows F-1 students to work in a position directly related to their major field of study.

Example: An Automotive Technology student working in an auto repair shop.

Eligibility
To qualify, you must:

• Have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in valid F-1 status
• Currently hold valid F-1 student status
• Not have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT or OPT
  (Part-time CPT does not count toward this limit)
• Not be enrolled in an English language training program
  (Per 8 CFR 214.2, such students are ineligible)

According to U.S. regulations, “A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training per educational level, and becomes eligible for another 12 months upon advancing to a higher level of study.”

Application Procedure
You may apply for OPT up to 90 days before completing your first academic year. You cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Adjudication may take three months or more, so apply early.
Only USCIS may authorize OPT. The Coordinator for International Student Services cannot approve OPT.

Step 1: Meet with the Coordinator of International Student Services
Schedule an appointment and bring:

• Passport and I-94
• Completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• Completed Form I-538 (PDF)
• Your current and all previous Form I-20s
• Academic Advisor’s Recommendation Form for OPT

If approved, a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation will be issued and entered into SEVIS.

Step 2: Submit Application to USCIS

You have two options:

Option 1: E-File Online
You may file Form I-765 online. Review all instructions carefully at USCIS.gov. Improper filing may result in delays or denial.

Option 2: Submit a Hard Copy (Recommended)
Mail your completed application to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox by certified mail with return receipt. Include:

• Photocopy of completed Form I-538
• Completed Form I-765
• Application fee: $550 (check or money order payable to USCIS)
  • Checks must have your name/address preprinted
  • Write the date in MM-DD-YY format (e.g., 11-14-25)
  • Do not send cash
• Copy of I-20 with OPT recommendation
• Copy of passport ID page and both sides of your I-94 card
• Copies of any prior EAD cards (if applicable)
• Two recent passport-style photos
  • Print your name and SEVIS ID number on the back in pencil

Mailing Addresses:

• USPS deliveries: USCIS, PO Box 660867, Dallas, TX 75266
• Courier services: USCIS, Attn: AOS, 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067

Optional:

• Attach Form G-1145 to the front of your packet to receive email/text notifications.
• Track your application at: https://egov.uscis.gov/

After Submission
If authorized, USCIS will mail your EAD card to the address listed on your Form I-765.
Use an address valid for at least 60 days and avoid changing your address during processing.

Important Considerations

• Do not begin employment until your EAD card is in hand.
• OPT time is cumulative: If you use 3 months of OPT but only work 1.5 months, you still lose the full 3 months.
• OPT is automatically terminated if:
  • You transfer to another school
  • You begin a new academic program at a different level

During OPT
You must report the following to the Office of International Student Services:

• Employer name and physical address
• Any changes, interruptions, or loss of employment
• Current living and mailing address

Failure to report may negatively affect your SEVIS record or immigration status.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Make sure all forms are signed, accurate and scannable
• Use black ink for signature cards and stay within the signature box
• Keep photocopies of everything submitted to USCIS
• Incomplete or incorrectly formatted photos may cause delays
• USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if your application lacks required documentation. However, they can deny the application without issuing an RFE.
  • Security checks may delay processing, so submit your application early.

CPT vs. OPT Reminder
If your degree program requires a paid internship, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be more appropriate. Contact the Coordinator for International Student Services to learn more about CPT benefits and eligibility.

Definition: Post-Completion OPT allows F-1 students to work in a position directly related to their major after completing their degree.

Example: An Automotive Technology student working at an auto repair shop.

Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:

• Have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
• Be in valid F-1 status
• Not have used 12 months or more of full-time OPT or CPT
  (Part-time CPT does not count against the limit)
• Not be in an English language training program

“A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months when advancing to a higher educational level.” – 8 CFR 214.2

Application Timeline
You may apply to USCIS:

• Up to 90 days before your program end date
• No later than 60 days after your program end date
• IMPORTANT: USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of your DSO’s recommendation being entered in SEVIS.

Before You Begin Work

• You may not begin employment until:
  • You have been in valid F-1 status for one academic year
  • You have received your EAD card
• USCIS processing time may take 3+ months, so plan accordingly (e.g., apply by March if you want to begin in June).
• Only USCIS can authorize OPT — not your school.

How to Apply

Step 1: Meet With the International Student Services Coordinator
Bring the following documents:

• Passport and I-94 card
• Completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• Completed Form I-538 (PDF)
• Current and all prior Form I-20s
• Completed Academic Advisor’s Recommendation Form for OPT

Once your eligibility is verified, a new SEVIS I-20 will be issued with the OPT recommendation.

Step 2: Submit Your OPT Application to USCIS

You can choose between two methods:

Option 1: E-File Online
You may file Form I-765 online. Review all instructions carefully at USCIS.gov. Improper filing may result in delays or denial.

Option 2: Submit a Hard Copy (Recommended)
Mail your completed application to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox by certified mail with return receipt. Include:

• Photocopy of completed Form I-538
• Completed Form I-765
• Application fee: $550 (check or money order payable to USCIS)
  • Checks must have your name/address preprinted
  • Write the date in MM-DD-YY format (e.g., 11-14-25)
  • Do not send cash
• Copy of I-20 with OPT recommendation
• Copy of passport ID page and both sides of your I-94 card
• Copies of any prior EAD cards (if applicable)
• Two recent passport-style photos
  • Print your name and SEVIS ID number on the back in pencil

Mailing Addresses:

• USPS deliveries: USCIS, PO Box 660867, Dallas, TX 75266
• Courier services: USCIS, Attn: AOS, 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067

Optional:

• Attach Form G-1145 to the front of your packet to receive email/text notifications.
• Track your application at: https://egov.uscis.gov/

After Submission
If authorized, USCIS will mail your EAD card to the address listed on your Form I-765.
Use an address valid for at least 60 days and avoid changing your address during processing.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Make sure all forms are signed, accurate and scannable
• Use black ink for signature cards and stay within the signature box
• Keep photocopies of everything submitted to USCIS
• Incomplete or incorrectly formatted photos may cause delays
• USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if your application lacks required documentation. However, they can deny the application without issuing an RFE.
  • Security checks may delay processing, so submit your application early.

Important Considerations

• You must have your EAD in hand before starting work
• All employment must be directly related to your field of study
• You may change employers, but the new job must also meet OPT criteria
• If you transfer schools, you must begin classes within 5 months or before your OPT ends (whichever is earlier)
• OPT is automatically terminated if you transfer to a new school or start a new degree program.
• Any unused OPT time is forfeited.
  • Example: If authorized for 3 months but only work 1.5, the remaining 1.5 months are lost.

During OPT
You must report the following to the Office of International Student Services:

• Employer name and physical address
• Any changes, interruptions, or loss of employment
• Current living and mailing address

Failure to report may negatively affect your SEVIS record or immigration status.

Periods of Unemployment
Per federal regulations:

• You may accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment under standard Post-Completion OPT
• Students granted a STEM extension (17 or 24 months) may accrue no more than 120 total days of unemployment

Traveling While on OPT
You may leave and re-enter the U.S. during OPT if you carry:

• Valid passport and F-1 visa
• I-20 endorsed for reentry (within 6 months)
• EAD card
• Employer letter confirming job title, duties, and start/end dates

Leaving the U.S. before receiving your EAD card may cancel your application

Final Thought

You are considered to be maintaining F-1 status for 60 days after your OPT ends, but employment is not permitted during this grace period. Use this time to:

• Depart the U.S.
• Transfer to another program
• Change immigration status

What Is the STEM OPT Extension?
F-1 students are typically granted 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, students who earned a degree in an eligible STEM field may apply for a 17-month extension, for a total of 29 months of OPT.

This extension is available only once per STEM degree and is intended to provide additional work experience in your field of study.

Eligible STEM Degree Fields
STEM fields eligible for the 17-month extension include (based on CIP codes):

• Actuarial Science – 52.1304
• Computer Science – 11.xxxx
  (Excludes CIP codes 11.06xx: Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications)
• Engineering – 14.xxxx
• Engineering Technologies – 15.xxxx
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences – 26.xxxx
• Mathematics and Statistics – 27.xxxx
• Military Technologies – 29.xxxx
• Physical Sciences – 40.xxxx
• Science Technologies – 41.xxxx
• Medical Scientist (MS, PhD) – 51.1401

Note: Degrees with CIP codes ending in xx99 (e.g., "Other" or "Miscellaneous" programs) are not eligible for the STEM extension.
A full list of CIP codes is available through the U.S. Department of Education’s CIP Code Directory.
— Source: NAFSA

STEM OPT Extension Eligibility

To apply for the 17-month extension, you must:

• Be currently on Post-Completion OPT
• Hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in an eligible STEM field
• Have completed your degree at a SEVIS-certified school
• Have a job or job offer directly related to your field of study
• Work for an employer registered in E-Verify
• Not have previously received a STEM OPT extension

Application Process
To apply:

1. Coordinate with the International Student Services Office
   The DSO/PDSO must:
   • Verify your eligibility
   • Confirm your degree is on the STEM list
   • Recommend the extension in SEVIS
   • Issue a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation
2. Submit Form I-765 to USCIS
   • Include the $550 fee
   • In Item #16, enter eligibility code (c)(3)(C)
3. Maintain Timely Filing
   • You must file the application before your current EAD expires
   • If filed on time, you may continue working for up to 180 days while the application is pending, or until a decision is made (whichever comes first)

Employer Obligations
Your employer must:

• Be registered in the E-Verify system
• Report to the DSO (or DHS-designated system) if:
  • Your employment is terminated, or
  • You are absent from work for 5 consecutive business days without prior approval

Important Notes on Unemployment
To maintain lawful F-1 status while on OPT:

• You may not exceed 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month OPT period
• Students approved for the 17-month STEM extension may not exceed a total of 120 days of unemployment across the full 29 months