Eligibility

To be eligible for CPT:

• Student must have lawfully completed one full time academic year of study 
  
• Student must be in status
• Employment must be directly related to the student’s program of study and be a part of an established curriculum
  • The training employment of the CPT must be required by the student’s program of study or
  • The training employment of the CPT will result in awarded academic credit

Application Requirements

To apply for the CPT you must meet with the OGE advisor and bring:

1. Copy of the official offer letter on company letterhead signed by the prospective employer. Letter should include

• Location where employment will take place
• Beginning and ending date of employment
• Number of hours student will work per week
• Student’s position title and duties described in detail which will clearly show duties as fitting the degree requirements
• Supervisor’s name and phone number

2. Copies of current immigration documents

• Unexpired foreign passport
• Form I-20(s)
• Most recent Form I-94

3. CPT recommendation form

Once your application is reviewed, the OGE advisor will determine your eligibility. If eligible, you will be issued a new Form I-20. Then and only then, may you begin your CPT.

Remember: The issued work authorization is valid for a specific employer, period of time and location which is documented on your new Form I-20. You may not continue working beyond the expiration date indicated on the Form I-20. Working beyond the authorized period of time is a violation of the F-1 nonimmigrant student status and will result in your falling out of status, jeopardizing your ability to continue your studies in the US.

How to Apply

1. Register for the CPT course before applying.

2. Obtain a copy of the official offer letter on company letterhead signed by the prospective employer. Letter should include employer’s full name, address, dates of employment and duties.

3. Fill out the CPT recommendation form

4. Submit a copy of your

• Current Form I-20
• Most recent Form I-94
• Unexpired passport

5. Your preceptor must sign your CPT application form. Meet with your preceptor before applying to make sure you are in good academic standing and that your CPT is directly related to your major area of study. Without the preceptor’s recommendation your CPT application will not be approved.

6. If eligible, the OGE advisor will issue a new Form I-20 and you may begin your CPT employment.

7. You may not continue working beyond the expiration date indicated on the Form I-20. Working beyond the authorized period of time is a violation of your F-1 nonimmigrant student status and will result in your falling out of status, jeopardizing your ability to continue studies in the US.

Eligibility Requirements:

When to Apply:

Pre-Completion OPT

• Students may apply as early as 90 days before being enrolled at Stockton University Full Time for one academic year, as long as OPT employment start date is after the one full time academic year requirement
• If one full time academic year requirement has been met students may apply 120 days before requested OPT start date

Post-Completion OPT

• Students may apply as early as 90 days before their program’s end date indicated on the student’s I-20
• Students who have completed their degree programs may apply up to 60 days after their program end date (during the grace period)

Remember: USCIS must receive and accept the Post-Completion OPT application no later than 60 days after student’s program completion date. If Post-Completion OPT application is received after the 60 day grace period student will automatically fall out of status and will have to leave the US. It is STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to allow the Office of Global Engagement adequate time to process the OPT application and submit it to USCIS office.

Application Process:

Part I (for the student)

1. Complete the OPT Request Form and obtain the Verification of Graduation Form from your Preceptor/Academic Advisor
2. Complete Form I-765
   • File it online (recommended) and upload scanned copy of all signed documents to the USCIS portal

OR

• • Fill it out the form then print and file it in paper
  • Check off “I am applying for” section of EAD
    • Pre-Completion OPT (c) (3) (A) under Item 27
    • Post-Completion OPT (c) (3) (B) under item 27
    • 24-month (STEM) OPT Extension (c) (3) (C) under section 27

3. I-765 Application Fee (check/money order) payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

4. Photocopy of your passport
   • Biographic page, U.S. visa, and pages with amendments such as name changes, corrections etc.)

5. Photocopy of Form I-94
6. Photocopy of all previous I-20s
7. Two US passport-style photos (with your name and SEVIS ID written in pencil on the back)

Part II (for the DSO)

1. Verify student's eligibility for OPT and review I-765 Form
2. Make the OPT recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and print out the endorsed I-20. The DSO and student must sign the new I-20

3. Prepare the documents into the following order for shipping:
   • Original signed I-765
   • Application fee
   • Two photos
   • Photocopy of the OPT endorsed I-20
   • Photocopy of the last I-20
   • Photocopy of any previously issued EAD’s
   • Photocopy of Form I-94
   • Photocopy of passport

Part III (for the student)

Based on your address, ship your package to the designate USCIS lockbox facility. If you live in New Jersey, please ship it to: 

USCIS Lockbox

Remember: Generally, USCIS will need at least 90 days to process your I-765 and send your EAD to the mailing address you’ve entered in your Form I-765. Please schedule beginning and ending OPT dates accordingly and remember that you may not begin your OPT work until you receive the EAD card.

• Check USCIS case processing times (estimated) here
• Check USCIS case status online with your case number here

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Students must have a STEM Designated Degree Program Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree.
2. Students must be currently enrolled in an approved 12-months OPT period, working for the US employer in a job directly related to their major area of study.
3. Students must have a job offer from an employer registered with E-Verify. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their employer is registered with E-Verify employment verification system.
4. Student must not have previously received a 24-month OPT STEM Extension.
5. Student’s International Student advisor must recommend the 24-month OPT STEM Extension after the review of the application has been completed.
6. Student must file a Form I-765 and application fee payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

When to Apply:

Students may apply up to 90 days prior to their current OPT expiration date. We recommend students to submit their requests no later than 30 days prior to their current Post-Completion OPT.
Please note: the USCIS must receive the OPT STEM Extension application within 30 days of the issuance of the new I-20.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documentation to the Office of Global Engagement:

1. OPT Extension Request Form
2. Photocopy of all previous I-20 (pages 1 & 2)
3. Photocopy of passport
4. Photocopy of most recent Form I-94
5. Photocopy of current OPT/EAD card

File it online (recommended), or based on your address, ship your package to the designate USCIS lockbox facility. If you live in New Jersey, please ship it to: 

USCIS Lockbox

Student Responsibility:
Students must report to their OGE advisor within 10 days of any changes in:

• Legal name
• Residential/mailing address
• E-mail address
• Employer name
• Employer address

Note: The student must report to his/her advisor every 6 months to confirm all information listed above, even if there has been no change.