Work Authorization
The two main forms of work authorization available to international students are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Generally speaking, CPT is conducted during the program of study while OPT is typically done after the completion of the international student’s program.
CPT is approved by the college/university and must be related to the international student’s program of study. Application procedures and eligibility requirements vary depending on the institution, so it is important to check on your school’s policies. One note- international students will often ask whether a school offers ‘Day 1 CPT.” This is a term that you will probably never see a school advertise, mainly because schools do not want to be perceived as an institution that exists solely to grant work permission. Rather, search to see if an internship is a graduation requirement for your intended program of study- this will allow international students to participate in CPT from the beginning of their program. Also be sure to check if the school limits the amount of CPT a student can do or if there are caps on full-time CPT.
On the topic of part-time vs. full-time, be careful to note that international students are held to a different standard than what companies are often used to. Specifically, anything that is 21 hours per week or more is considered full-time for international students. Part-time, then, is 20 hours per week or less.
Why is this important? Because if you want to participate in Post-Completion OPT, which is 12 months of work authorization that is available to international students that complete at least one academic year and complete their program of study, may not exceed 12 months of full-time CPT during the program of study. In other words, if an international student participates in 12 months or more of full-time CPT then that student loses the ability to participate in OPT (or STEM OPT) upon the conclusion of the program. OPT, as opposed to CPT, is approved directly by the U.S. government and is very strict about this point, so it is critical that international students decide early on whether or not they want to maintain their OPT eligibility and conduct themselves accordingly.
It is also important to note that international students can also apply for work authorization directly through the U.S. government if they are experiencing undue, unexpected economic hardship, but there are strict rules around eligibility and the adjudication process typically takes 90 days or more.
