OPT/CPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provide opportunities for qualified F-1 visa status students to gain off-campus employment. Students interested in CPT or OPT must first attend a workshop in the Office of International Services (OIS).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is off-campus employment in the form of an internship, co-op, or practicum. CPT is available to students who will continue to work towards their degree and are in legal F-1 student status for at least nine months before applying for CPT, who are admitted to a graduate program in full standing, and who are eligible to register (no holds). MSCS allows CPT during the summer term only.
Applying for CPT
Attend an OPT/CPT workshop in the Office of International Services.
Obtain an internship/employment related to your curriculum and HAVE AN OFFER LETTER IN HAND to begin the process. The offer letter must contain these details:
- Length of internship.
The start and end dates of the internship must fall after the end of the Spring term and before the start of the Fall term.
- Work hours.
You are limited to 20 hours of work per week. This total includes the number of hours you work in an assistantship or on-campus job, if any.
- Pay.
Make an appointment with the Director of Cooperative Education (Co-op) in 350 University Hall (seheslup@uic.edu); make sure you mention that you are a graduate student.
Complete a Cooperative Education application before meeting with the Director of Co-op. Applications are available in 339 SEO and in 350 UH.
Once your Co-op application is approved, the Co-op office will forward the appropriate CPT paperwork to OIS for approval. This process may take up to 20 days.
Once OIS approves your application, you will register for LAS 289 for ZERO credit hours. Note: zero credit hours registration carries a tuition and fee cost that is NOT covered by a Tuition and Fee Waiver.