Department of Computer Science

 

OPT/CPT FAQ
  • Who is OPT/CPT advisor of the Department of Computer Science?
    • Qi Liao, Ph.D.
    Professor of Computer Science
    Pearce Hall 411
    Central Michigan University
    Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
    Office: (989) 774-4419
    Fax: (989) 774-3728
    Email: liao1q@cmich.edu
    Web: http://people.cst.cmich.edu/liao1q/
    You may also schedule an appointment using the above webpage.
  • Where can I get general information about Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
    • Please visit the Office of Global Engagement website: https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/international-student-scholars Make an appointment with their international student advisors.
  • How to get approval for OPT?
    • While you must apply OPT directly to USCIS, one of the requirements is that you must be recommended by your academic program. To get recommendation, you need to make satisfying progress towards graduation from the program; applied graduation in the degree progress, and make a request vis OGE http://international.cmich.edu/?FuseAction=Security.AngLogin Enter the information of OPT/CPT advisor of Computer Science Department. Your request will be automatically sent to the advisor for review. Make sure you applied for graduation inside the degree progress before you apply for OPT.
  • How to get approval for CPT?
    • First, you must obtain a job offer from your employer. The offer letter must clearly state the position, job description/duties, start/end dates, work location, and work hours per week, etc. Forward the letter to your OPT/CPT advisor. Second, you must register a credit-bearing internship course (i.e., one-credit-hour CPS 695). Please see the department office for registering the course. Note that this course does NOT count towards any of the required coursework of your graduation requirement since internship is entirely optional. Your internship start date must be on/after the course’s start date and your internship end date must be on/before the course’s end date. Once the internship course appears in the system, let your OPT/CPT advisor know by email. Third, make a request via OGE and put the contact information of OPT/CPT advisor, who will then review and approve (or deny) your request. Once a decision is made, you will receive an automatic email notification. Please follow up with OGE to have your final CPT paperwork (e.g., I-20) approved by the university.
  • When and how do I know my OPT/CPT is approved/denied?
    • Your OPT/CPT request is usually approved within 48 business hours after your request is received by OPT/CPT advisor of the Department of Computer Science. If you did not hear back, which is a good news, that means your request is approved. Please follow up with OGE with your applications after 2-3 days. The process may include having your I-20 updated by OGE and/or submitting application to USCIS. You will receive a notification from the advisor should your OPT/CPT request is denied.
  • Am I eligible for CPT?
    • After successfully completing at least two semesters (not counting summer), you are eligible for CPT.
  • Do I need CPT?
    • Like OPT, CPT is entirely optional.
  • How many hours can I work?
    • Up to 40 hours/week during the summer (no class) and up to 20 hours/week during the semester.
  • Will I get approved for CPT?
    • CPT is case-by-case and there is NO guarantee of approval. There are multiple factors of considerations, such as the academic performance of the student, the course load, the nature/location of work, etc. We normally approve CPT for summer only when students do not take any coursework. If you take more than 3 graduate courses, it is highly unlikely that you will get approved. In rare cases, we may approval CPT during your last semester when the only thing left is your research projects / thesis work.
  • When should I apply for OPT/CPT?
    • For OPT, apply 3 months ahead as your application goes out to USCIS and it may take a long time to process. For CPT, apply 3 weeks ahead since your application is handled internally within CMU.
  • Will CPT affect my OPT?
    • Not unless you have a total of one year CPT then you lose OPT.
  • Can I extend my CPT?
    • No. Must apply a new CPT for each semester.