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:

Spring 2024 Dates:

Thursday January 25th - 4PM

Tuesday February 6th - 9AM

Tuesday March 5th - 4PM

Thursday March 21st - 4PM

Tuesday April 2nd  - 9AM

Thursday April 18th - 4PM

Tuesday April 30th - 4PM

 

In Person Workshops

CPT/OPT 101

Learn about the CPT and OPT process, eligibility, what forms to fill out with RGlobal, procedures, important dates, and filing your OPT application with the USCIS. 

  • Thursday February 8th
    • 3:30pm - 5:00 pm
    • Academic Building 2400
  • Thursday March 28th
    • 3:30pm - 5:00 pm
    • Academic Building 2400

       

 

Drop-in OPT Q&A

Bring your laptop and come with questions! This session is for students who have completed the off-campus workshop in RGlobal and have questions about their OPT application materials. This is a group session where students can ask questions about their e-forms or documents to an International Student Advisor while learning from their fellow students who are applying for OPT. Please note that this is for students who already have a basic understanding of the OPT process. Students are expected to have started the material review e-form in RGlobal before coming to this session.

  • Thursday February 22nd
    • 2:30pm - 4:00 pm
    • Academic Building 2400
  • Thursday April 11th
    • 2:30pm - 4:00 pm
    • Academic Building 2400