OPT/CPT
Practical training provides international students with off-campus employment authorization in their major field of study. You become eligible for practical training if you have been enrolled full-time for at least 9 months and are in F-1 status at the time you apply for practical training. The federal regulations governing practical training have undergone many changes since April 2008. Be sure to check with your advisor to see if there are recent updates.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization which allows an international student to gain practical experience off campus usually in the form of an internship, co-op education, or practicum that earns credit toward your degree completion prior to graduation.
CPT Eligibility
To be eligible for CPT you must:
- Have been enrolled full time for 9 consecutive months (3 terms)
- Have F-1 visa status
- Be enrolled full-time if you have remaining coursework
- Complete the CPT Application Packet
- Obtain authorization from ISSS
If you would like to get more information about CPT before applying, please sign up to attend a CPT/OPT workshop. For a full listing of workshop dates, see the international student events calendar.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization in your field of study for up to 12 months following completion of your degree.
OPT Eligibility
To be eligible for OPT you must:
- Have been enrolled for 9 consecutive months (3 terms)
- Have F-1 visa status
- Have completed your degree program
- Submit your OPT Application to your international student advisor for review
- Receive a new I-20 prior to submitting application to Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Apply to and obtain authorization from USCIS
If you would like to get more information about OPT before applying, please sign up to attend a CPT/OPT workshop. For a full listing of workshop dates, see the international student events calendar.
More tips for OPT authorization:
- Allow 4 months for USCIS to process your application.
- See https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp for current processing times.
- Ensure you have met your graduation requirements.
- Be certain of your OPT start date prior to application. Once submitted, it cannot be changed and once authorized it cannot be canceled.
IMPORTANT:
- You will be in violation of your immigration status and must return home if you are unemployed more than 90 days of your initial 12 month OPT period. If you apply for the 17-month extension you will be given an additional 30 days for a total of 120 days of unemployment allowed in a 29-month period.
- You may be eligible to apply for a 17-month OPT extension. To learn about CAP-GAP provisions, extension regulations and how they may apply to your situation, attend an OPT/CPT workshop.
OPT Reporting Requirements
While authorized for OPT you must report the following to PSU:
- Change of address within 10 days of moving (using PSU Banweb system)
- Date of new employment within 10 days of being hired (psuopt@pdx.edu)
- Employer’s name and address (psuopt@pdx.edu)
- End of employment (psuopt@pdx.edu)
- Address and employer information every 6 months, if under a 17-month extension (psuopt@pdx.edu)
PSU will report necessary information to the government and will track your allowable unemployment days.