| Category | Requirements | Maximum Hours or Days Permitted | Location of Employment | When or Where Should You Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPT
Optional Practical Training Post Completion of Study Employment |
Students needed to maintain full-time status.
12 credit hours : Undergraduate 9 credit hours: Graduate |
40 hours per week
Duration: Up to 12 months of paid work off-campus |
Off campus in a job that pertains to your major course of study.
*Adjudicated at USCIS |
Before your expected date of completing your degree requirements or the graduation date, whichever comes first. Recommended 90 days before completion of degree requirements. Apply in the OISS office. View OISS web page for steps to applying for OPT |
|
CPT Curricular Practical Training During your course of study Through CPT, you will gain practical training (interning) experience related to your career. |
*Completed one academic year in F-1 status
12 credit hours : Undergraduate 9 credit hours: |
Limits part-time CPT full-time CPT Part-time=less than 20 hours/week Full-time=more than 20 hours per week |
In an approved work site by your advisor and the OISS office.
Approved through the OISS office |
Only authorized for required internships or a recognized UT cooperative educational experience. Apply in the OISS office for approval of your CPT experience. |
| Off Campus Work Permission Based on Economic Hardship, occurred since entering the US, due to circumstances beyond your control | * One academic year in F-1 status
*If you have not maintained your status, what do you do? |
* Available only before completion of study
Limited to 20 hours/wk.during academic year. May work full-time during authorized vacation or times when school is not in session (i.e. holidays). |
Work does not have to be related to field of study Adjudicated by USCIS |
Make an appointment with the OISS office to discuss options. |