CPT (Curricular Practical Training) 

F-1 students are eligible to obtain employment authorization using “practical training” which is employment in their field of study. CPT - CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING is employment authorization before graduation which is issued by the educational institution on the Form I-20 (a U.S. government document that verifies a student’s admission into the institution). CPT is generally available to students who have completed one year of study, are registered in a course that will give them credit, and allows part-time employment during the academic year and full-time employment during academic breaks (including summer). Since the authorization is done by the educational institution, CPT is issued according to the institution’s ability to approve it.

OPT (Optional Practical Training) 

OPT - OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING is employment authorization generally after graduation which is issued by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). OPT is generally available to students who have completed a degree program and allows up to 12 months of full-time or part-time employment. A 24-month extension is allowed for students who majored in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field if the employer is registered with the E-verify program which requires checking all employees who are hired to see if they have legal status to work. EAD card issuance may take as long as 3 months to be issued by USCIS.

Q: What does an employer need to do to hire an F-1 student on CPT?  

A: Employers need only prepare a job offer letter. View offer letter requirements on the CPT Page. 

Q: What does an employer need to do to hire an F-1 student on OPT? 

A: For the first 12 months of initial OPT, the employer does not have any paperwork responsibilities beyond hiring the employee. If the employee then wants to extend the OPT for an additional 24 months (available to STEM majors), the employer is required to complete a Training Plan on form I-983 that is submitted to the school the employee last attended. More information about the I-983 is here: studyinthestates.dhs.gov/ employers-stem-opt-reporting-requirements.

Q: Can I offer a job to an international student who does not have work authorization?  

A: Yes, a job offer can be made, but the student may not begin working before getting the employment authorization.

Q: What if I want to continue to employ international students after his/her OPT expires? 

A: With some planning ahead, an employer can “sponsor” an international student using the H-1B visa category. The H-1B is a temporary working visa for workers in a “specialty occupation.” The job must require at least a bachelor’s degree and the employer must pay prevailing wage. Other visas categories may be appropriate as well. Consultation with a qualified immigration attorney is highly recommended.

Q: Doesn’t an employer have to prove that international students are not taking jobs from a qualified American?  

A: Not if a person is working with F-1, J-1, or H-1B status. Employers must document that they did not turn down a qualified American applicant for the position only when they wish to hire a foreign citizen on a permanent basis and sponsor them for a “green card” (permanent resident status).

Q: Can I hire international students as volunteer interns? 

A: Organizations only offering unpaid or volunteer positions must meet the organizational definitions and requirements that allow them to do so legally. Refer to Fact Sheet #71 and consult your legal counsel regarding any questions. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships