OPT and CPT for International Students | Concordia University Texas

International students often ask, "Can I work while studying in the United States?" The answer is yes, but before accepting any job or internship offer, it is very important to understand how F-1 work authorization works. While there are many sources of information about employment in the United States, international students at Concordia University Texas can rely on their Designated School Officials (DSO) for any guidance related to work eligibility and maintaining status. Understanding the requirements before accepting employment is essential to maintaining F-1 visa status.

International students may be eligible for two primary types of work authorization that allow them to gain practical experience while pursuing their degree in the United States:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Through work opportunities such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), international students can gain real-world experience and connect with employers.

Choosing to study in a city like Austin, Texas, famously known as Silicon Hills, allows international students to pursue their education in a thriving startup ecosystem and innovation hub. Austin's dynamic business environment offers opportunities for eligible international students to secure internships or any other practical work experience throughout their academic journey. Therefore, understanding when and how to request your work authorization can help you pursue the career opportunities the city has for you as an international student while maintaining your student status.

To obtain work authorization, there is a legal process that must be followed, and your Designated School Officials (DSO) at Concordia Texas are always available to guide you through every step of the process.

What Is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization that allows international students in the United States to participate in internships or employment opportunities that are directly related to their field of study. As an international student, CPT is usually tied to a specific course or degree requirement to earn course credit while gaining practical experience. Most international students use their CPT to participate in internships, practicums, or cooperative education (co-op) programs.

One of the benefits of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is that it allows international students to gain hands-on experience (paid or unpaid) in their field of study while continuing with their classes. As an international student at Concordia Texas, do not accept any job offer until your Designated School Officials (DSO) have confirmed that you are eligible to begin employment.

Important things to know if you are considering CPT;

• CPT must be authorized before you start working, not after.
• Once approved, your Designated School Official (DSO) will issue a new I-20 reflecting your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization
• Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT can make you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a work authorization that allows eligible international students to work in the U.S. in a job directly related to their major either before or after you graduate. Most students apply for a post-completion OPT, which allows them to legally work in the United States for a limited period after completing their degree.

One of the benefits of Optional Practical Training (OPT) is that international students can work while not enrolled in coursework, allowing you to fully dedicate the time in your employment. However, the work you do during OPT needs to align with the major you pursued during your education.

It is important to know that standard OPT provides you with up to 12 months of work authorization. If you're graduating in a STEM -designated field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), you may qualify for 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing you to work in the United States for up to 36 months total.

Important things to know if you are considering OPT;

• OPT is not authorized by your school directly
• Your Designated School Officials (DSO) recommends OPT in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), but the actual work permit comes from U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Students can begin the process up to 90 days before their graduation.

Curricular Practical Training vs Optional Practical Training Overview

Concordia Texas international students are never expected to interpret immigration policy on their own. We have Designated School Officials (DSO) that are here to specifically walk you through any CPT or OPT processes step by step. Whether it's confirming that an internship or job qualifies for CPT or helping you determine the right time to apply for OPT, your DSO is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions