Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students may work on CPT if the work is in a training program that is an “integral part of an established curriculum," a determination which is made by the school.
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Student works with the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) to obtain or complete the necessary documentation. (This is the ISS office at UW.)
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Job offer related to the major field of study is required to apply for CPT.
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The DSO issues Form I-120 with annotation of CPT approval.
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Annotated I-20, student’s passport and I-94 show authorization to work.
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May work up to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during official school breaks.
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Students may only use CPT prior to graduation.
Students who use 12 months of full-time CPT are ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation (see below).*
Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training
Students who wish to work in an internship/job other than one which would qualify for CPT can generally apply for OPT.
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Student works with the DSO to obtain or complete the necessary documentation. (This is the ISS office at UW.)
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The DSO issues Form I-20 with OPT recommendation.
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Student uses the updated I-20 to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) from USCIS.
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Generally takes 2-3 months to obtain EAD.
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Approved EAD shows authorization to work and is required for employment
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OPT used during school is deducted from allowed post-completion OPT time:
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Full-time OPT deducted at equal rate
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Part-time OPT deducted at half-time rate
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Post-Completion Optional Practical Training
Foreign graduates of a U.S. university or college are eligible for 12 months of post-completion OPT, regardless of field of study.
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Student works with DSO who issues Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
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Student uses the updated I-20 to apply for an EAD from USCIS
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Must apply within 30 days of DSO having issued the I-20
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Generally takes 2-3 months to obtain EAD
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Approved EAD shows authorization to work and is required for employment
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Post-completion OPT may be limited by student’s use of CPT or OPT during school. See prior section on employment while in school for details.
STEM Extensions
Graduates in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering or math) may apply to
extend OPT an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months OPT.
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Employer must participate in the E-Verify program.
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Employer must create training plan and sign Form I-983.
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Employer must report to DSO if employee is terminated or leaves employment prior to expiration of STEM EAD.
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Graduate submits Form I-983 to DSO who reviews it for completion.
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DSO issues I-20 with STEM recommendation.
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Graduate uses updated I-20 to apply to USCIS for STEM extension EAD.
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Must apply within 60 days of DSO having issued the I-20.
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Graduate may work while STEM extension application is pending, provided application was timely filed.
TN Visa
Canadian & Mexican graduates may be eligible for a TN if they have an offer to work in a TN eligible position and meet the requirements
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List of TN eligible positions and requirements is found at 8 CFR § 214.6(c).
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TN can be processed at U.S. border/pre-flight inspection with documentation showing proof of job offer and individual's eligibility for the position.
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Individual must be coming to the U.S. for a temporary stay.
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The TN can be obtained for up to 3 years.
H-1B Visa
Employers may also apply for an H-1B for an international business professional, regardless of whether s/he graduated from a U.S. university or college.
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The H-1B is highly regulated and details are beyond the scope of this handout.
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Employers may wish to seek counsel in applying for an H-1B for an employee or potential employee.
