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. university may count towards the one academic year requirement. Check with ISSS to verify eligibility.
• Valid F-1 status
• CPT must be a required, not elective, part of your degree program. 
• Enroll in an internship class during the semester in which you will engage in CPT.
• 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

When to apply?

Apply for CPT at least three weeks before the semester begins to determine your eligibility. If not approved for CPT, you may need to enroll in an alternative course. Apply for CPT here! 

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.

UT Health Positions

Although the UT San Antonio Main Campus and UT Health have merged into a single academic institution, they remain separate entities for F-1 immigration compliance purposes. As a result, employment with UT Health is currently considered off-campus employment and requires prior Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization before students may begin working.

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. 
• It is recommended you submit your OPT application to USCIS prior to your I-20 program end date. 

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 

• 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 requirements 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 filled H1B petition)
• 24-Month STEM OPT Extension - OPT extension for Students with applicable STEM degrees