Practical Training for F-1 Students

Practical training is a benefit available to eligible F-1 students during and after their academic program at Monroe University. As the name suggests, practical training allows students to gain practical experience by working in a position directly related to their academic program. There are two types of practical training: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT). Within OPT, there are other categories: pre-completion, post-completion, STEM extension for bachelor and master’s degree students who graduate from our School of Information Technology, and H1-B cap gap extension. 

Check out some FAQs in the chart below. We’ve also included some key terms and links to additional information.

Must I have an offer or placement in order to apply for practical training?

  • CPT: Yes         
  • OPT: No

Can I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?

  • CPT: Part-time or full-time       
  • OPT: Part-time or full-time

How many hours can I work?

  • CPT: Part-time or full-time      
  • OPT: Part-time or full-time 

When can I start?

  • CPT: After completing an academic year in F-1 status; there is an exception for graduate students enrolled in the Professional Experience Track
  • OPT: After completing an academic year in F-1 status; upon receipt of an employment authorization document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Who can give me authorization to participate?

  • CPT: Authorization is granted from a Monroe University DSO after you obtain approval for your internship from the University
  • OPT: First, you need a recommendation from a Monroe University DSO, then you need approval from USCIS

How do I know if I have been authorized?

  • CPT: A DSO will issue you a new I-20 showing CPT authorization on page 2
  • OPT: If your OPT application is approved, you will receive an EAD from USCIS

How long does the process take?

  • CPT: CPT authorization is usually provided within one week
  • OPT: USCIS estimates processing time to be 90 days

For how long can I participate?

  • CPT: CPT is always matched to an internship course that is a required or recommended part of your academic program. Since each course runs for one semester, CPT authorization is granted one semester at a time
  • OPT: Standard post-completion OPT lasts for 12 months; the STEM extension currently adds an additional 24 months for a total of 36 months of OPT; H1-B cap gap lasts until October 1

Key Terms

Pre-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used before the student’s Program End Date. It may be part-time or full-time.

Post-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used after the student’s Program End Date. It must be full-time.

24-month (STEM) OPT Extension: For students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS. This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT. At Monroe University, students with a bachelor degree in information technology or computer information systems and or a master’s degree in computer science.

Cap-Gap OPT Extension: For students whose prospective employers filed a qualifying H-1B cap-subject petition.

Part-time: 20 hours or less per week.

Full-time: more than 20 hours per week.

Academic year: in accordance with Student and Exchange Visitor Program policy, an academic year for programs that operate in credits hours is defined as 30 weeks of full time study.

Philip Peroune

International Student Advisor

914.740.6706