OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
(from UF Internationals Center's Handbook for International Students and Scholars)

F-1 Practical Training: Practical training permission allows student to obtain employment
experience in their field of study to increase their academic experience. You will become
eligible for practical training after the first year in F-1 status. F-1 students may be granted
permission by INS to undertake full-time employment, "practical training," under 2 sets of
circumstances: Optional Practical Training: To be carried out before or after completion of
the degree and available for a maximum of 12 months (no extensions allowed.). Full
informative packages are available at the ISS front office. Please be advised that you need to
submit your request 90-120 days before to the date you intend to start working. Practical
Training is only endorsed by ISS with your Academic Advisor’s consent. Practical Training is
given to F-1 students for twelve months.

Curricular Practical Training: Before completion of the degree requirements and only if it
is stated in the student’s degree requirements that an internship or practicum is needed to
finish the degree (guidelines also available at the ISS front office.) There has to be a course
available to register for the internship, co-op or practicum. Curricular Practical training is
granted per "semester" and can not exceed twelve months as a total. If it exceeds this time, it
counts against Optional Practical Training. Before making CPT or OPT practical training
request, you must stop by ISS to pick up a complete information package which will tell you
the exact steps to take and will provide you with the right forms to be filled.
F-2 Spouses/Dependents: F-2’s are not allowed to be employed, nor have assistantships.
An F-2 dependent who is admitted to the university as a graduate student cannot accept any
33 offer of assistantship until change of visa status is approved by INS from F-2 to F-1 (Please
note that change of visa status can take from three to four months in processing at INS).
You can, however, attend the university as a student paying for your own classes.