Find out about Harvard international student OPT and CPT support with applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), including timelines and visa compliance. We also discuss OPT and CPT support Harvard international students and HIO work authorization guidance. Additionally, we talk about Curricular Practical Training Harvard international students. We also discuss Harvard OPT application international students.
OPT and CPT Support for Harvard International Students
Both OPT and CPT are work authorization programs for F-1 international students. Both programs allow students to get hands on experience in their field of study to boost their career. Additionally, they deepen their understanding of their academic work.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a post graduation program that allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for 12 months, 24 months for STEM students. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for students who want to work during their studies as part of their academic curriculum.
Why OPT and CPT is important for International Students
Participating in practical training programs like OPT and CPT is a big deal for international students. These programs allow students to:
- Get U.S. Work Experience: By working in their field of study, international students can get experience in the American job market and boost their employability in the U.S. and globally.
- Deepen Academic Learning: Students can apply what they learn in the classroom to real world situations which can deepen their understanding of their field of study.
- Build Professional Network: Working in the U.S. allows international students to build professional network that may lead to future job opportunities.
- Access STEM Extension: Students in STEM fields can benefit from the OPT STEM extension and stay in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation.
The Harvard International Office helps students navigate the complex application process for OPT and CPT. With HIO guidance, students can be sure they are following the right process. They can also be rest assured they are meeting the requirements for their work authorizations.
See also: Overview of the Harvard International Office: Services and Support for International Students
HIO Support for International Students
HIO provides resources and advising to help international students understand the OPT and CPT process and requirements. Here are some of the areas HIO supports:
- Workshops and training sessions: HIO hosts workshops and webinars to explain the OPT and CPT process. These sessions answer common questions and provide updates on regulations and deadlines. With this support, Harvard International Students are well-equipped to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by OPT and CPT.
- Eligibility: Students often have questions about OPT and CPT eligibility, especially when it comes to pre-completion vs post-completion OPT and CPT conditions. HIO helps clarify the differences.
- Application guidance: HIO provides step by step instructions on how to apply for OPT and CPT. This includes checklists, sample forms and templates to make the process easier for students.
HIO Work Authorization Guidance
US immigration law and work authorization requirements can be tough for international students. Especially when English is not their first language and the process is new. The Harvard International Office provides work authorization guidance to make the process clearer and less scary. The guidance covers all steps of the process from eligibility determination to submitting the forms and documents.
HIO Work Authorization Guidance
The Harvard International Office offers support services to help students apply for work authorization through OPT and CPT.
- One-on-One Advising: International students can book an appointment with an HIO advisor to discuss their individual situation. Advisors will help students determine if they are eligible for OPT or CPT and walk them through the application process.
- Step-by-Step Application Guidance: The HIO provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to apply for OPT and CPT. This includes what each form requires, where to send the application and what documents are needed.
- Application Workshops: To make sure all students understand the process, the HIO holds regular workshops that walk students through the application. These are interactive and students can ask questions and get answers in real-time.
See also: How the Harvard International Office Assists with Visa Applications
OPT and CPT on the HIO Website
In addition to one-on-one advising and workshops, the HIO website has many resources to help students apply for work authorization. The website includes:
- FAQs: A list of all OPT and CPT FAQs is available on the HIO website, covering everything from eligibility to deadlines.
- Forms and Templates: The HIO has all the forms, including Form I-765 which is required for the OPT application. Students can also find templates for offer letters and other supporting documents for CPT applications.
- Tutorials: The HIO website has video and written tutorials that walk students through the process step by step.
The HIO’s extensive resources and personalized support make the work authorization process as straightforward as possible. Thus, allowing students focus in their academics and professional development.
Harvard OPT Application Process for International Students
Applying for OPT can be a long and arduous process. However, the HIO has the resources and support to help Harvard international students navigate the application. The Harvard OPT application is designed to help students meet all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements and minimize the stress and uncertainty of the work authorization application.
OPT Eligibility
Before applying for OPT, students must check with the HIO. Key eligibility requirements:
- F-1 Status: Student must be in F-1 status at the time of application.
- Full-Time Enrollment: Student must have been enrolled in a full-time program for at least one academic year (nine months) before applying for OPT.
- Field of Study: Employment must be directly related to the student’s major.
The HIO will help students confirm their eligibility. It will also advise them on whether to apply for pre-completion OPT (if they want to work while still studying) or post-completion OPT (after they graduate).
See also: Orientation Programs for International Students at Harvard: A Guide from the HIO
How to Apply for OPT
The Harvard OPT application process has several steps, each guided by the HIO:
- Request I-20 with OPT Recommendation: The first step is to request an updated I-20 from the HIO with the OPT recommendation. Student must submit a request form to the HIO and we will review their eligibility and update their I-20 accordingly.
- Submit OPT Application to USCIS: Once student has the updated I-20, they must submit the OPT application to USCIS. This includes filling out Form I-765, attaching the updated I-20, and submitting supporting documents such as passport photos and the required fee.
- Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD): After USCIS processes the application, student will receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and can start working in the U.S. The processing time takes several months so students should apply early.
The HIO has instructions and checklists to help students submit a complete and accurate application. We also have tips to avoid common mistakes that can delay the application process.
OPT Maintenance
Once student receives the EAD and starts working, they must comply with all F-1 visa requirements to maintain their OPT status. The HIO will guide students on:
- Reporting Employment: Student must report their employment to the HIO within 10 days of starting work.
- Valid Employment: Students on OPT must be employed in their field of study for at least 20 hours a week. Unemployment periods are limited and students must not exceed the maximum number of days without a job.
- Travel on OPT: The HIO will advise students on how to travel internationally on OPT and what documents to bring to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad.
With the help of the HIO, students can feel confident that they are meeting all the requirements for maintaining their OPT status.
See also: Employment Options for International Students at Harvard: Guidance from the HIO
Curricular Practical Training for Harvard International Students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another work authorization option for Harvard international students. Unlike OPT, which is used after graduation, CPT allows students to gain work experience while still enrolled in their program. CPT is part of the student’s curriculum and is often used for internships, co-op programs or other work experiences related to the student’s major.
CPT Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet the following:
- F-1 Status: Student must be in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year before applying for CPT.
- Directly Related to Curriculum: Work experience must be directly related to the student’s major and part of the academic program. For example, an internship that counts as course credit would be eligible for CPT.
- Departmental Approval: Student’s department must approve the work experience and confirm it is part of the student’s curriculum.
The HIO helps students determine if their work experience is eligible for CPT and assists with the application process.
How to Apply for CPT
The CPT application process is easy thanks to the HIO. Here are the steps to follow:
- Get a Job Offer: Before applying for CPT, the student must have a job offer from an employer. The job must be related to the student’s field of study.
- Submit CPT Request: Student must submit a CPT request to the HIO along with supporting documents such as the offer letter from the employer and departmental approval.
- Receive CPT Authorization: Once the HIO approves the request, student will receive an updated I-20 with CPT authorization. Student can then start working for the employer.
The HIO has instructions on how to complete each step so students don’t have to wait.
See also: How the Harvard International Office Supports International Scholars and Researchers
Benefits of CPT
CPT offers several benefits for Harvard international students:
- Hands-On Learning: By working in their field of study while still in school, students can apply what they learn in the classroom to real life.
- Academic Credit: Many CPT experiences count as course credit so students can earn credits towards their degree while gaining work experience.
- Professional Networking: Like OPT, CPT allows students to build relationships with professionals in their field which can lead to future job opportunities.
With the support of the HIO, students can take full advantage of CPT and make the most of their time at Harvard.
Conclusion
In short, the Harvard International Office has got you covered for OPT and CPT work authorization. Through one-on-one advising, workshops, online resources and step by step guidance. The HIO makes sure Harvard international students have all the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the OPT and CPT application process.
By offering OPT and CPT support for Harvard international students, the HIO lets students gain valuable work experience in the US. As well as enhance their academic learning and boost their future career prospects. The work authorization guidance from the HIO is available to students at every stage of the process. That is from determining eligibility to submitting applications and maintaining valid status.
For Harvard international students, OPT and CPT are a big part of the academic and professional experience. With the HIO, you can go for it!
See also: https://leapscholar.com/blog/what-is-opt-and-cpt-difference-between/