What is Curricular Practical Training?
There are very limited opportunities for F-1 Students to work while studying. Students in MBA programs, or in any program that does not require an internship or practicum are not eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Curricular Practical Training is an employment option available to F-1 students only when the practical training employment is considered to be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. Use of CPT can impact a student’s eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

What are the requirements for engaging in CPT?
Permission must be requested from the university’s P/DSO for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The P/DSO will determine whether the set of eligibility requirements and institutional program requirements have been met for a student interested in obtaining CPT. If yes, the P/DSO will authorize CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20. The training must occur before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20. The authorization is for one specific employer, and for a specific period of time. The Student must secure the training opportunity before an application for CPT can be submitted.

How do I apply for CPT?
Please review this Overview of the Requirements associated with Curricular Practical Training and the Curricular Practical Training Request Form in preparation for a conversation with the P/DSO. The P/DSO can be reached at iadmissions@ndnu.edu, or an appointment scheduled via calling 1(650) 508-3600.

Please review this webpage, the Overview of Optional Practical Training together with the Optional Practical Training Request Form in preparation for a conversation with the P/DSO.  This presentation also provides a summary of OPT for your consideration and includes good graphics to better understand timing considerations.  The P/DSO can be reached at iadmissions@ndnu.edu, or an appointment scheduled via calling 1 (650) 508-3600.

What is OPT? 
F-1 students who plan to work in the U.S. after completing their degree program can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization that provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off-campus.

• OPT is a benefit of your F-1 visa status and not a separate work visa or visa category.
• You continue to be in F-1 student visa status while you are on OPT and must abide by all F-1 regulations during your period of OPT.
• NDNU remains your visa sponsor. This is the last work authorization that will not need employer sponsorship until you have a Green Card.

Timing Considerations 

• Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level.
• OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor’s degree and then OPT based on a Master’s degree).
• The months of OPT must be used all at once, it cannot be broken up.
• OPT must be used directly after graduation; it cannot be saved for later.
• You cannot start work until you have received your EAD card and reached the start date on the card.

Eligibility  

• Maintain valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
• Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S.
• Be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your application.
• Intend to work or volunteer in a professional development opportunity directly related to the major field of study.

Periods of Unemployment

• F-1 regulations state that students who have been authorized for Post-Completion OPT must leave the U.S. before they accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment. No 60-day grace period is allowed. Days of unemployment will be counted from the start date indicated on the EAD card.
• If students volunteer or intern without pay at least 20 hours per week in their area of study (where this does not violate any labor laws), this time would not be counted against the 90 days of unemployment. However, these students must be able to provide evidence of their volunteer work.

How do I apply for OPT?

Please look over the associated information on this website and on the federal website as part of your preparation for this opportunity. Once you’re ready, you must:

1. Request that the P/DSO at NDNU recommend the OPT.  For this, you’ll need to complete and submit the Optional Practical Training Request Form to the P/DSO at iadmissions@ndnu.edu. If you are eligible, the P/DSO will endorse your Form I-20 Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
2. Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with UCSIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions. The Optional Practical Training Application Guideline. The Guideline includes the links to Federal Forms G-1145, I-765, the I-94 arrival / departure documents as well as key instructions as to how to complete I-765. These documents are available to be completed online or can be downloaded and submitted by mail.

After Completing your OPT period
Once the Post-Completion OPT period is over, students have a 60-day grace period in which they are required to depart from the U.S. or change status. Employment or re-entry into the U.S. is NOT permitted during the 60-day grace period. If you will remain in the U.S. after the 60-day grace period, you must use one of the following options: Begin a new degree program at NDNU; transfer to another U.S. institution; or, change to another visa status.

Additional Considerations

• You do not need to have a job in order to apply for OPT.
• All work must directly relate to your field of study.
• Students with degrees in NDNU STEM designated degrees (MS Technology Management, MBA STEM) may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their 12 month post-completion OPT.
• You do not need paid employment (volunteering is ok).
• You can work on multiple opportunities at one time.
• OPT Start Date must begin within 60 days of your program end.

Traveling impact on the OPT
An F-1 student who travels outside the United States for a temporary absence can be readmitted to resume employment for the remainder of the period authorized on their EAD card, if they show these required documents to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status:

1. Valid I-20– Page two should list your employer’s information and be signed by the P/DSO within the last six months.
2. Valid F-1 Visa– If your F-1 visa is expired, you must apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to your return. (Note: Canadian citizens do not need a visa.)
3. Valid Passport – The expiration date should be at least six months into the future at any given time.
4. Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
5. Evidence of a job offer or resumption of employment. If you are returning to the U.S without evidence of a job offer, you may show evidence of your job search, interview appointments, etc., as intention to use your OPT.

Additional Travel Considerations:

• If you need to leave the U.S. before you receive your EAD, speak with the P/DSO. If your employer has filed for an H-1B on your behalf, check with your employer about any travel plans, as leaving the U.S. while an H-1B petition is pending may jeopardize your petition.

• If your travel plans require a change of planes in a third country, you must check to see if you need a transit visa. Some countries (including the U.S.) require an entry or transit visa, even if you are only changing planes and resuming your travels after a brief time. Before purchasing your ticket, make certain you are aware of any travel requirements or restrictions.

F1 students may also be able to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. Any international student that works will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) or an International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Information on these requirements can be found here.

Important Information about getting an EAD to Legally Work in the United States (from USCIS).

Certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24 month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) extension.

Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension
At NDNU, MS Technology Management and MBA STEM program students may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their 12 month post-completion OPT.  

Applying for a STEM OPT Extension
If you are considering applying for an OPT extension via the online USCIS process, please first request a new I-20 using the OPT Request Form from NDNU’s P/DSO before you submit the application via the USCIS portal. Submitting an application to USCIS without a new I-20 from the P/DSO recommending you for STEM OPT will result in denial of your application and possible forfeit of STEM OPT.

You must:

• Be maintaining valid F-1 status.
• Be on a period of standard Post-Completion OPT.
• Hold a degree in a field of study (indicated on the I-20) which qualifies as STEM eligible according to the official STEM Designated Degree Program List.
• Have a job offer from an employer enrolled in E-Verify.
• Demonstrate the job is directly related to a STEM field.
• Confirm the job is paid.
• Prepare and sign the Training Plan (Form I-983) together with your employer.
• Apply before your current Post-Completion OPT expires.

Your employer must:

• Be enrolled in E-Verify
• Have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Agree to the terms of STEM OPT by completing their sections of the Training Plan (Form I-983)

After receiving a STEM OPT Extension 

• You continue to hold F-1 status sponsored by NDNU and your F-1 record remains active in the government database SEVIS.
• Reporting requirements include periodic confirmation (every 6 months) that you continue to maintain your STEM OPT activity even if nothing has changed. Please use the STEM OPT Update Form to make this report to the P/DSO.

The responsibility to report information related to your STEM OPT extension rests primarily with you or your employer, but NDNU will continue to support you during this period and will remain responsible for maintaining your record and updating your information in SEVIS. Please note that NDNU must be informed:

1. Within 10 days of any change in the following areas:

• • Legal Name
  • Residential address
  • Employer name and address
  • Change in status of current employment
  • Loss of employment
  • Change of employers
  • End of employment
  • Change of status to a different visa category
  • Transfer to another F-1 program

2. Every 6 months regardless if there is a change or not in the areas listed above.