Curricular Practical Training/Optional Practical Training

You must report the changes/information to ITU within 10 days via e-mailing
(when you stopped working, changing the new employer, etc.)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Application Requirements:

  1. Register for CPT when submitting your “Registration/Enrollment Form“.
  2. Pay tuition fees
  3. Submit Employer Documents:
  4. Wait 3 – 5 business days for CPT processing.

Offer Letter Requirements:
  1. Must be typed on the company’s letterhead and signed by your employer
  2. Must state that you are working as an intern (NOT as an EMPLOYEE)
  3. The number of hours you will work per week
  4. CPT start and end-date
  5. Job title and description
  6. Employer location and contact information

CPT Policies:

  • Eligibility:
    • You are eligible for CPT only if you are on an F1 visa
    • First time students can take CPT for 12 months (if you exceed 12 months of CPT, you will not be eligible to apply for OPT)
    • CPT students have to be registered for Weekend Schedule courses. You can see a list of available Weekend Schedule courses in the current class schedule.
    • Be enrolled as a full-time student.
      • Full-Time CPT Requirements: 3 Units + 6 Units of Two Academic Course
      • Part-Time CPT Requirements: 1 Unit + 9 Units of Three Academic Course
  • Applying:
    • Students must submit new offer letters to Amy Chaung at achaung@itu.edu or fax them to ITU at (408) 331-1026.
    • It is the student’s duty to ensure that the employer sends a verification e-mail to Amy Chaung at achaung@itu.edu. Uncomfirmed CPT I-20 requests will be placed on hold, or possibly terminated.
    • It takes 3-5 business days to process the CPT I-20 form from the date we receive the registration documents and payment.
  • General CPT Enrollment Requirements:
    • Internship report should be uploaded by student in the Education Management System (EMS).
    • Indicate on Registration Form that you are taking CPT, and include the “CPT Full-Time” or “CPT Part-Time” on the Registration Form. First-time CPT students must write “CPT 1” on the registration form. For students that have taken CPT in the past must indicate the number of CPT they are on (i.e. “CPT 2″, “CPT 3″, and so on).
    • Maintain Full-Time Student Status of 9 credit hours.
  • Changing Employer:
    • Internship/intern/co-op word on the offer letter.
    • Employer’s Agreement Form.
    • Request to change CPT employer form.

*For further questions and to ensure a prompt reply contact our support team directly.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Application Requirements:

  • First time:
    • Completed and Signed Form I-765 (original) marked with code “(c) (3) (b)” at item 16.
    • $380 Check* or Money Order* payable to “Department of Homeland Security” (Please write “I-94” on the memo line and your name and SEVIS ID# on the top of the check).
    • 2 U.S. Passport-Style Photos. Photos must be placed in a small envelope. Please print your name and I-94 card number lightly in pencil on the back of each photo and put the photos in envelope and attach it in front of I-765.
    • Original/Photocopy ITU SEVIS I-20 showing OPT dates on Page 3 (make sure the student sign on the first page’s I-20).
    • Photocopy of the Front and Back of your most recent I-94 Departure Record Card and Visa.
    • Photocopy of your Passport Pages showing your Name, Photograph, Date of Birth, Passport Expiration and/or Renewal dates. (Even if expired).
  • If you have or had CPT or OPT:
    • Submit all of the First Time Applicant Materials
    • If you are a previous CPT student: Include photocopies of all previously issued I-20s.
      (CPT authorization appears on Page 3 of your SEVIS I-20 from ITU or previous school).
    • If you are a previous OPT student: Include photocopies of any previously issued I-20 for EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
      Examples: OPT I-20 for past degrees or the current degree, Special Student Relief EAD, Economic Hardship EAD.
  • Extension of your OPT:
    • Complete and sign  Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, marked with the code “(c) (3) (c)” at item 16; Complete item 17 with Degree name; Employer’s Name; Employer’s E-Verify Number.
    • Obtain an offer letter from your current employer verifying your employment and the employer’s participation in E-Verify as well as a short description of your job and start date.
    • Two passport style photos
    • A check or money order made payable to “USCIS” in the amount of $380 required for Form I-765.
    • Send a copy of your current I-20 and all old I-20’s.
    • Send a copy of your I-94 card (both sides), visa and passport.
    • Send a copy of your current Employment Authorization Card.
    • If you are applying for a STEM OPT Extension, you must submit proof of your degree earned. Submit a photocopy of your diploma or an unofficial transcript.
    • Include photocopies of any previously issued I-20 for EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
      Examples: OPT I-20 for past degrees or the current degree, Special Student Relief EAD, Economic Hardship EAD.
  • F-1 Post-Completion OPT: Reporting Requirements: Students in F-1 status authorized for employment under OPT are responsible for maintaining their immigration status. According to federal regulations, F-1 students are required to report directly to the DSO information regarding their employment as well as changes to personal information and immigration status. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may result in denial of future immigration benefits (i.e. extension of employment under the cap-gap rule and STEM program) and termination of status and OPT authorization.

Additional Information:

  • You may start your application process 30 days before the end of your last semester.
  • Contact Evelyn Tsao at tevelyn@itu.edu for information about OPT
  • If you are on OPT and want to join ITU, please follow the procedure for regular transfer process.
  • Once a student transfers to ITU, you will no longer be on OPT.
  • Once completed, send OPT Request Form/OPT Extension Form/Pre-completion OPT Form to tevelyn@itu.edu. It may take up to 7-10 days to process the request.
  • Send all inquiries regarding your OPT I-20 to Amy Chaung at achaung@itu.edu.
  • Send all updated employment information to Amy Chaung at achaung@itu.edu by filling out the OPT Reporting Form or OPT Change of Employer form.
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