Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment is defined as “alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” To qualify, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. And yes, students can get paid for CPT employment. Prior authorization by IAU’s international student office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required.
CPT Webinar 2023-2024
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OPT is defined as “temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study.” Basically, once your OPT application has been approved by USCIS, you may work in the United States for up to 12 months after you complete your program.
Students who have fulfilled one year of academic training and are eligible for graduation may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows applicants to work full-time up to 12 months after graduation in a position that is related to their program of study.
Students who would like to apply for OPT are required to mail their application to USCIS or apply online (www.uscis.gov). IAU assists students in filing for OPT with USCIS. Please note that OPT processing time may take 90 days or more. For that reason, IAU urges students to apply for OPT as early as 90 days before the student’s program end date but no later than 60 days before the program end date. Not all applicants are eligible for OPT.
Please see IAU’s Designated School Official (DSO) with any questions about this deadline. Because of the long processing time, IAU recommends that students speak with a DSO at the beginning of the semester that you expect to graduate from IAU. The IAU DSO will determine if the student is eligible to apply for OPT.
OPT Webinar 2023-2024
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Severe Economic Hardship to F-1 Students Caused by Unforeseen Circumstances (Special Situations | USCIS)
If you are facing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, or if your home country is grappling with natural disasters, war, military conflicts, or a financial crises, you may be eligible for relief. Please refer to Special Cases for more information.
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