SEM Practical Training & STEM
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a structured educational program which combines classroom learning with productive work experience in a field related to a student’s academic program. CPT may be available to certain F-1 students.
Please note: CPT is a possible benefit of F-1 status, not an entitlement. The primary purpose of F-1 status is study, not employment. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will make determinations of CPT eligibility and has the discretion to authorize CPT where the proposed training satisfies federal regulations and the UTD CPT program.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a possible benefit of F-1 student status, not an entitlement. Students may request up to one year of OPT per educational level (ex: one bachelor’s = one educational level, two master’s degrees = one educational level).
OPT Eligibility
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to F-1 students after one year of full-time enrollment, in the academic year immediately preceding OPT, at a U.S. university. F-1 students are eligible to apply for up to one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per educational level.
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
SEM Program
The SEM Program is a stem major as indicated on the ISSO website. This means that after the students initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT they will be eligible for an additional 17-month extension if they have a job or job offer from an employer that is registered in E-Verify. Please refer to the ISSO website for more information on the 17-month Extension of OPT, or contact the SEM Program or ISSO offices for any further questions on this topic.
Industry Perspective
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