Practical Training
Practical training is a type of employment that must be related to a student’s academic field of study. F-1 visa holders who have been in the U.S. in a full-course of study for one academic year or more are eligible. The most important employment issue is legal (or "authorized") versus illegal (or "unauthorized") employment. Unauthorized (i.e. illegal) employment for any length of time will jeopardize a student’s ability to remain in or return to the United States. Changes in immigration regulations may change, so it is important for students to attend a practical training seminar at the Slutzker Center for International Services (SCIS) [http://international.syr.edu] immediately prior to seeking permission to complete practical training. Once employment is authorized, the student must maintain eligibility or the student will lose the right to continue employment, even if the permission was in writing.
- Additional forms and instructions for practical training (from the Slutzker Center for International Services)
Types of Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can be an internship, co-op, practicum, or professional experience, and it must be included on the Program of Study (3B form) as Required Course. Immigration Regulations allow students who hold the F1 visa to have an assistantship work (up to 20 hrs/wk during the semester) and be authorized for any number of hours for CPT (part-time or full-time) in the same semester. The practical training work experience may be paid or unpaid, for full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (less than 40 hours per week). Students complete this type of employment prior to the completion of the degree. Students who have completed 12 months of full-time curricular practical training are NOT eligible for any period of Optional Practical Training.
To obtain authorization for CPT, students must attend a seminar at the Slutzker Center for International Services (SCIS) and submit the following forms to the Office of Instruction & Graduate Studies (OI&GS), 227 Bray Hall, preferably at least one week before the proposed start date of the curricular practical training:
- A petition to request permission to complete practical training, signed by the student, the student’s Major Professor and Faculty Chair or designee;
- A Program of Study (3B form) signed by the student, the student’s Steering Committee and Faculty Chair or designee that includes at least one credit of internship experience as a Required course for the student’s academic program.
- A letter or memo from the major professor that provides the following information:
- Student’s name: ____________________________________________
- Graduate program: ___________________________________________
- Expected date of degree completion/graduation: _____________________
- Employer’s name and address: __________________________________
- Beginning and end date of employment:
- Number of hours student will be engaged in the work experience: ___ hours per week
- Course number:____, credit hours: ___, faculty supervisor: ____________
The student must register for at least one credit of internship experience in the semester in which the curricular practical training is requested.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment that must be related to the student’s academic study. It can be accomplished either before or after a student completes the degree, or a combination of both, but typically ESF students complete OPT after completing their degree programs. Students may complete 12 months OPT after each degree level (Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D). The application for OPT must be received no later that the completion of studies date on the I-20. For example, if a student plans to complete a degree in May, then the student must request permission for OPT no later than the last day of classes for the spring semester. Official authorization for OPT must be obtained from the Immigration Service, through the Slutzker Center for International Services (SCIS). The only document students obtain from ESF is a “Recommendation Letter for Optional Practical Training,” from the Dean of Instruction and Graduate Studies. To obtain this letter, students must provide evidence that they will complete a degree by the date requested.
- For undergraduate students, the Registrar completes a degree audit and communicates to the Dean of Instruction and Graduate Studies that the student will complete degree requirements.
- Graduate students must provide evidence that the degree will be completed with a defense committee established and other degree requirements met (M.S. and PhD students) or all coursework completed (M.F., M.P.S. or M.L.A.).
