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Office of Global Education

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

Students can obtain work outside the university prior to degree completion if their academic program includes the option for an internship/practicum and the experience is related to their major. To work in an on or off-campus internship, the student must be authorized to complete Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• To be eligible for CPT, you must prove that:

  • The position or internship is an integral part of your program or major.

  • You have been enrolled at KSU for a full academic year.

  • You received the internship/job offer first and it is “directly related” to your major.

• Login to the and in the Request Center, complete the Curricular Practical Training Request.

• Your academic advisor needs to fill out the CPT form as well, stating the internship is an integral part of the program.

• Approval is granted by an Advisor at OGE and processing could take up to one week.

• The CPT is typically valid for 12 months. Using CPT for more than 365 days WILL CANCEL your OPT.

• You may intern/work up to a maximum of 20 hours/week if classes are in session or more by contacting ISSS.

• You can work full-time when classes are not in session (summer/winter break).

• There is no cost for filing the CPT.

• Keep in mind, many students relocate to bigger cities for internships or invest in cars in order to commute.

Find policies, procedures, and application guidelines at the Office of Global Education.  CPT must be authorized by the Office of Global Education.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

The most common route for full-time employment off-campus on an F-1 Visa is to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) which is a 12-month work authorization status within the F-1 visa. You may also use Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) to intern or work in a field related to your major before you graduate if your curriculum does NOT “require” this experience.

• OPT can be used for full-time employment (40 hours a week) in a job that is directly related to your major/degree

• OPT is approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)

• Those in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) may apply for an extension of 24 months, over and above the 12 months granted

• A student can apply for OPT after completing a full academic year, but cannot start employment until the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is received from USCIS

• Begin this process early since it takes 90+ days to process applications. USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days after your graduation date

• OPT is permitted for each degree level earned. For example, you get 12 months for Bachelor’s and another 12 months for Master’s and so on

• The OPT does not require company sponsorship and the company does not need to file any paperwork on your behalf

• You can change positions using this authorization

• There is a $410 cost associated with filing the OPT

• Find policies, procedures, and application guidelines at the Office of Global Education website.

Since immigration regulations are subject to change, consult with an advisor in the Office of Global Education - International Student & Scholar Services prior to accepting any form of employment to avoid violating the terms of your immigration status