Current Students
What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 benefit that allows eligible students with proper authorization from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to participate in employment or internship opportunities that are directly related and integral to the major field of study listed on their I-20.
CPT is meant to enhance a student's academic program by giving them practical work experience in their field of study. It is not intended for regular, ongoing employment. Since CPT requires defined academic objectives agreed upon by the student and their department/course instructor prior to the start of the internship or employment, it is approved on a semester-by-semester basis. CPT cannot be authorized after a student graduates.
Caution: Students must obtain an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2 BEFORE beginning their internship or employment. CPT requests must first be reviewed and approved by the academic department and then by ISSS.
Eligibility and General Requirements
- Be in valid F-1 status.
- Be in good standing with the university.
- Have an employment/internship offer in a position directly related to your major.
- Have completed two consecutive semesters as a full time student prior to the requested employment start date.
- Exception to the two-semester rule: graduate students enrolled in a program that requires immediate participation in an internship as a graduation requirement are eligible to apply for CPT in their first semester.
Part Time vs. Full Time
Part-time CPT
Defined as up to 20 hours per week. Part-time CPT can never exceed 20 hours per week in any given week. Part time is authorized for Fall, Spring, or Summer.
Full-time CPT
Defined as over 20 hours per week. There is no regulatory limit on how many hours per week a student can work on full-time CPT. Full time can be authorized only for Summer.
Note: Participation in more than 12 months of Full time CPT will make you ineligible for OPT.
Application Process
- Email iss@umhb.edu to request the CPT Application form.
- Take the CPT form to your academic advisor to complete and enroll in the coursework connected to the CPT.
- Return the form and a copy of your internship/practicum offer letter to iss@umhb.edu.
- Allow 3-5 business days for review.
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training ("OPT") is a work authorization that allows F-1 students to work temporarily in a job related to their major field of study following completion of their degree.
USCIS may take 2 to 4 months to process OPT applications, so eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please follow the instructions below carefully.
Eligibility
- You don't need a job offer to apply for Post-Completion OPT.
- You need to be in valid F-1 status.
- You must have completed two consecutive long semesters at UT to be eligible to apply.
- You may apply for Post-Completion OPT as early as 90 days before your graduation date or as late as 60 days after your graduation date.
- You must be physically present in the U.S. to apply for OPT.
- While engaged in Post-Completion OPT, you are still in F-1 student status.
- To maintain your status, you cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment from the start date listed on your EAD card.
- You must continue to report any change in employment in the SEVP Portal and any change of physical address or email address within 10 days to maintain your F-1 status.
Application Process
Documents for International Office
Email your Graduation confirmation email from the Registrar's office and the start date you wish to use for your OPT:
- Earliest start date – Your program completion date on your I-20
- Latest start date – 60 days after your program completion date on your I-20
Documents for USCIS
- Completed I-765 (for question 27, you will use "c 3 B")
- Completed G-1145 (optional if you would like electronic notification of application updates)
- Application fee of $520 if filing by mail, $470 if filing online
- If filing online, payment will be done online
- If by mail, you will need a check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
- Two passport style photos
- If filing online, this will be an electronic copy
- If by mail, a printed photo
- Your OPT I-20, must be submitted within 30 days of the DSO signature
- Copies of the following (if sending by mail):
- All previous I-20's
- Passport biographical page
- Current F-1 visa page
- Most recent I-94
The link to file the application online or the addresses to send the application by mail can be found at: uscis.gov/i-765
Information to Report While on OPT
Submit the following either through your SEVP portal or to iss@umhb.edu within 10 days of any change.
OPT Employment Updates
- Full-time/Part-time
- Company name
- Company EIN number (optional)
- Company address (if you are at a specific company site out of many, please provide that)
- Job title
- Explanation of how employment is related to your course of study
- Supervisor Name
- Supervisor Phone
- Supervisor Email
- Start Date
- End Date
Personal Detail Updates
- Address
- Contact Phone
- Contact Email
- Legal Name
Recommended coverage:
- Individual medical benefits per accident or illness = minimum coverage of $100,000.
- Co-payments should not exceed $400
- Co-insurance should be at least 80/20 (80% covered by the health insurance, 20% covered by you)
- The standard, individual deductible should be between $50 to $100.
- Repatriation of remains and evacuation at a level consistent with current reasonable expenses.
Areas to consider:
- The Deductible (the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance starts helping to pay)
- The Co-Insurance (the percentage you pay out-of-pocket and the percentage the health insurance pays after you pay the deductible)
- The Co-pays (the fixed amount you pay for each service)
- Costs for prescription medication for your out of pocket vs. what your insurance will cover (if you have prescription medication you will need while in the United States)
Recommended International Student Health Insurance Vendors:
Page last updated August 27, 2026