Practical Training

International Students in F-1 or J-1 status are eligible to work both during their program and afterwards through an experience called Practical Training. This is a recommended activity which allows international students to gain the work experience they need to be competitive in the U.S. marketplace.

Internships --- "Curricular Practical Training (CPT)"

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) / Internship is an academically-relevant work opportunity / experience available to international students DURING their academic programs. Students may work after 2 consecutive terms of full-time enrollment (18 hours) of valid F-1 and J-1 status through registration for an INTERNSHIP (MGT 8101 / 8103). This experience is mainly limited to 20 hours / week and requires full-time student status during the trimesters. Some vacation periods with full-time internships are allowed. Internships may be both paid and unpaid.

Procedures include:

1. Make an appointment with the International Students Office to review status, secure approval for an internship, and receive a signed internship contract. *
2. Search for and secure an internship offer. View Current Internship Openings. NOTE: Positions do not have be titled "internships" to qualify as potential internship positions. Students may turn a regular position into an internship if it meets the requirements stated above.
3. Make an appointment with your Program Director for internship content approval.
4. Register for the internship class (MGT 8101 / 8301).
5. Return to the International Students Office to get official government employment permission.

Note: Generally CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.

* For more information, contact Marilyn White, Director, International Student Services, Graduate School of Management Administration Building, #212, 972-721-5059 or mjwhite@gsm.udallas.edu.

Jobs --- "Optional Practical Training (OPT)"

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment period of 12 months that is granted to each student in order to gain practical experience in the field. Most students utilize this option after graduation.

Procedures include:

1. Make an appointment with the International Students Office to review status and secure an application. *
2. OPT applications must be made BEFORE completion of studies and can be made up to 120 days before completion. A student does not need an offer of employment to get OPT authorization. This authorization is granted by the Immigration Service and takes up to 3 months (or more) to actually receive.
3. Search for and secure a job offer. View All Our Job Openings.
4. Once OPT has been granted, the 12-month period begins regardless of current employment status.

* For more information, contact Marilyn White, Director, International Student Services, Graduate School of Management Administration Building, #212, 972-721-5059 or mjwhite@gsm.udallas.edu.

View additional information and services for international students.