Practical Training
Practical Training is authorization for temporary employment that allows F-1 students to work off-campus for the purpose of gaining experience or additional knowledge in their fields of study. Practical Training includes:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) >
Are you required to participate in an off-campus internship? Will this off-campus work experience help you complete the requirements for your degree? CPT may be the right practical training authorization for you.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) >
Are you interested in gaining optional experience in your field of study during or following the completion of your degree here at Rutgers? OPT may be the right practical training authorization for you.
OPT Extensions >
Some F-1 students may be eligible for an extension of their initial 12 months of OPT if they have received a degree in an eligible STEM field or have a pending or approved H-1B application.
Virtual Off-Campus Employment Chat Sessions
ISSS hosts chat sessions on CPT and OPT via Zoom. This is an opportunity for students to drop in and discuss their CPT/OPT questions with an International Student Adviser (ISA), as well as connect with other students who are also interested in off-campus employment. Below are the scheduled chat sessions with direct links to the Zoom room:
Fall 2023 Dates:
Thursday November 16 - in person date! See below.
In Person Workshop
Off-Campus Employment for International Students
Thursday November 16th
3:30pm-5:00pm
AB 2400 (East Wing) – College Ave Campus
Learn about the CPT and OPT process, eligibility, procedures, what forms to fill out with RGlobal, important dates, and filing your OPT application with the USCIS.