Practical Training for F-1 students

HSPRD advises international students how to obtain F-1 status and how to navigate the complex regulations governing the maintenance of F-1 status and obtaining authorization to work while in F-1 status.  There are 2 primary types of employment authorization available to F-1 international students: Curriculum Practical Training (“CPT”) and Optional Practical Training (“OPT”).  CPT is training that is integral to the student’s major field of study and part of the program of study.  CPT can include alternative work/study, internships, cooperative education, or other required internships or practicums that are offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.  CPT is only available prior to the completion of the degree program in which a student is enrolled, and the F-1 student must have a job offer at the time of applying for CPT.  There are two types of CPT, required CPT, which is mandated by an academic program for all students to graduate, and optional CPT, which authorities work experience directly related to the field of study but that is not required to graduate.

OPT allows students to obtain real-world work experience related to their field of study.  There are generally three types of Optional Practical Training, pre-completion OPT used before the student’s program end date, post-completion OPT, which is used after the program end-date, and a 24-month STEP OPT Extension, which is available to students who majored in designated science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields of study approved by DHS and whose employers participate in the DHS E-Verify system for verifying the eligibility of employees for employment in the United States.

If you would like to speak with an experienced HSPRD attorney about obtaining F-1 students and Curricular or Optional Practical Training, please contact our Firm at (312) 239-7675 or info@chicagovisalawyers.com