Working off-campus in the U.S. with an F-1 Visa
Information on this website is to supplement policies and guidelines found here: https://global.psu.edu/taxonomy/term/169
The following information has been reviewed and approved by PSU ISSA Advisor, Dagmara Karnowski
In no way should this website be your main and/or only resource used when researching Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Some information is subject to change if ISSA (International Student & Scholar Advising) regulations change. For any further questions please contact Dagmara Karnowski (duk31@psu.edu), Regional International Student Adviser or visit Global Penn State Staff Directory for ISSA contact information.
At the Brandywine campus, the Office of Multilingual and International Student Programs can be found on the second floor of the Vairo Library (shown above).
A lot of planning and preparation goes into successfully landing a job or internship
Be sure to meet with your advisor. ISSA and Career Services for guidance.
As an international student seeking an internship/co-op or job in the U.S., you are required to file for CPT or OPT. So what is the difference?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is for current students, can be full-time or part-time, and either paid or unpaid. Even if your internship is unpaid, you MUST file for a CPT. Your internship must be related to your major. For example, if you are a Biology major, you cannot complete an investment banking internship when you apply for your CPT.
CPT or Curricular practical training can be optional or mandatory depending on your major requirements. Certain majors require that students complete an internship to complete their degree. If your degree does not require an internship, then you must work with your advisor to identify a faculty member who will agree to oversee your experience and approve enrollment in an internship course for credit.
*Two important things to note:
- If you complete 12 months of full- time CPT, it will make you ineligible for OPT (work in the U.S. after graduation)
- Students are eligible for CPT if they are enrolled with F-1 status for a full academic year and have a declared major (other exceptions may apply depending on visa status change, please contact your ISSA Advisor).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students who have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is temporary employment in their field of study for purposes of gaining practical experience. Students are eligible for an additional year of OPT at each higher degree level (i.e. Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD.)
There are several types of OPT for F-1 students. Please refer to https://global.psu.edu/taxonomy/term/169
In this section I will cover the Post-Completion OPT requirements and steps. For the other OPT options please visit the ISSA website.
When Applying to Post-Completion OPT there are specific application deadlines, depending on your graduation date and future plans. ISSA offers workshops for OPT preparation each year.
If you want to try the OPT Module Training, visit this website: https://training.global.psu.edu/opt
About the Authors
Isabela Carlos Alberto worked for Career Services as a Career Ambassador during her last 4 semesters, helping students with resumes, cover letters and interview preparation, while also contributing to essential tasks of the office, such as building this webpage. Isabela was enrolled in the 2+2 Program and transferred from Brandywine to State College for Smeal Finance with a minor in Chinese. While at Brandywine campus, she participated in various clubs and, as a result, was awarded Brandywinner of the Week, won Student Club of the Year for the Active Minds club, and had a non-fiction article published in Penn State Klio- Creative Arts Journal. Isabela worked under the supervision of Christine Anne Allen (Coordinator of Career Services at Penn State Brandywine) for this website project to assist and aid international students in finding employment in the United States.
Christine Allen has been the Coordinator of Career Services since 2006. Over the years, she has helped many students find jobs and internships, prepare for interviews, and edit resumes and cover letters. She has become a valued mentor and a role model to many students. Over the past 15 years, Christine has significantly contributed to improve student outreach and dedicated much time and effort to gather valuable information for Penn State Students.
Credits:
Created with images by bboellinger - "books read training" • athree23 - "application letter application apply online" • janeb13 - "computer apple business"