Curricular Practical Training
Practical training is temporary employment for F-1 students that is directly related to his or her field of study. According to the Code of Federal Regulations [8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)], CPT is defined as “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” 

To be considered CPT, the work must not only be directly related to the major field of study, but also be an integral part of the established curriculum.

Please be aware that the employment opportunity must be a required part of program. You must be enrolled in the specific internship class while you are participating in the internship opportunity at the company. All internship classes offered in the specific degree program will be credit bearing. You must also be enrolled full time, undergraduate is 12 hours and graduate is nine hours, and have established and maintained your status.

Optional Practical Training
OPT grants an eligible F-1 student an opportunity to work full time for 12 consecutive months, anywhere in the U.S., in a field related to their degree program at each degree level, bachelors, masters and doctorate. Students remain in F-1 status at St. Thomas even though they may be working elsewhere in the U.S. 

Students with only their thesis option left should consult with an international student advisor.

You may apply for OPT no more than 120 days before your desired end date. Students that have completed no less than12 months of full-time CPT are automatically ineligible for OPT. Immigration views this portion of time equivalent to what is allotted for OPT.