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F1 Employment Opportunities

 

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an authorization for off-campus employment related to your field of study. To be eligible for CPT, your employment must be an integral part of your established curriculum and directly related to your major. Typically, CPT is available for internships, cooperative education programs, or other types of required practical training. Consult with ISSS or the international portal to determine your eligibility and application process for CPT.

Please note:

CPT is a possible benefit of F-1 status, not an entitlement. The primary purpose of F-1 status is study, not employment. International Student Services will make determinations of CPT eligibility and has the discretion to authorize CPT where the proposed training satisfies federal regulations and the UTSA CPT program.

F-1 students who apply for internships, and are eligible for CPT authorization, are providing implicit consent for International Student Services to update their SEVIS record with the CPT employment.

CPT Eligibility

Basic eligibility for CPT has the following requirements:

  • Lawfully enrolled full-time in a U.S. university for at least one academic year (two consecutive long semesters) immediately prior to the semester in which the CPT will take place. Time spent at another U.S. universirty may count towards the one academic year requirement. Check with ISSS to verify eligibility.
  • Valid F-1 status
  • Currently enrolled in an internship class
  • Good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA for graduates, 2.0 GPA for undergraduates). 
  • Have not failed a previous CPT course
  • No incomplete grades
  • Have not completed degree requirements

 Apply for CPT here!

Unpaid Internships

CPT authorization is required for F-1 students even where the internship is unpaid. Students who engage in unpaid activities that would constitute ‘employment’ under labor laws will be considered to be ‘employed.’ If an unpaid internship is not covered by an authorization such as CPT or OPT, F-1 students are risking their immigration status.

 

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization directly related to your major field of study. It allows you to gain practical experience in your field for up to 12 months after completing your academic program. OPT can be utilized pre-completion (before finishing your degree) or post-completion (after completing your degree). It's essential to understand the OPT application timeline, eligibility requirements, and reporting responsibilities. ISSS can provide guidance on OPT application procedures and maintaining status during your OPT period.

  • If you fail to graduate after applying for OPT, contact International Student Services to discuss your options.
  • No employment is allowed between I-20 program end date and OPT start date which is indicated on EAD card issued by USCIS
  • OPT Request start date must be within the 60 day ‘grace period’ after I-20 program end date. 
  • OPT Application MUST be receipted by USCIS prior to the end of the grace period.

OPT Request Process

  • Submit your OPT Application Request via the International Services Portal
    • IMPORTANT: After submitting your OPT Application Request in the portal, you must complete the following steps: 
      1. Create an account at www.uscis.gov 
      2. Schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to go over the I-765 and submit your application
  • The OPT Recommended I-20 will be processed on or before your OPT appointment 
  • Make sure you have all documents saved on your computer at the moment of the appointment 

OPT Dates for Spring 2024 Graduates

Application Dates:

Earliest date to submit OPT request to ISSS: February 14, 2024

USCIS must receipt the application on or before: July 12, 2024

OPT Start/End Dates [Grace Period]

Earliest OPT start date a student can request: May 14, 2024

Latest OPT start date a student can request: July 12, 2024

 

OPT Dates for Summer 2024 Graduates

Application Dates:

Earliest date to submit OPT request to ISSS: May 14, 2024

USCIS must receipt the application on or before: October 11, 2024

OPT Start/End Dates [Grace Period]

Earliest OPT start date a student can request: August 13, 2024

Latest OPT start date a student can request: October 11, 2024

 

OPT Dates for Fall 2024 Graduates

Application Dates:

Earliest date to submit OPT request to ISSS: September 17, 2024

USCIS must receipt the application on or before: February 14, 2025

OPT Start/End Dates [Grace Period]

Earliest OPT start date a student can request: December 17, 2024

Latest OPT start date a student can request: February 14, 2025

 

OPT Options

  • Pre-Completion OPT (before finishing your degree) - part-time work while continuing as a full-time student.
  • Coursework Completion OPT - students who have completed all course requiremnts except thesis or dissertation (Graduate Students ONLY)
  • Post-Completion OPT - full-time work after graduation.
  • H-1B Cap Gap Relief - between OPT and H-1B.(Contact ISSS if employer has fiiled H1B petition)
  • 24-Month STEM OPT Extension - OPT extension for Students with applicable STEM degrees