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 2025 Dates:
Thursday, February 6 - 9:00 am
Thursday, February 20 - 9:00 am
In Person Workshops
CPT/OPT 101
Learn about the CPT and OPT process, eligibility, which forms to fill out with RGlobal, procedures, important dates, and filing your OPT application with the USCIS.
- Tuesday, February 11
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Academic Building 2400
- Thursday, March 27
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Academic Building 2400
OPT Support Session
Bring your laptop and questions! This group session is for students who have completed the RGlobal off-campus workshop and are working on their OPT applications. You'll have the opportunity to ask an International Student Adviser questions and learn from other OPT applicants. Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of the OPT process prior to attending the session.
- Tuesday, February 25
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Academic Building 2400
- Thursday, April 10
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Academic Building 2400