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CPT/OPT Instructions

Employment authorization for international students: CPT and OPT

International students in F-1 status must receive appropriate authorization before beginning any off-campus employment, including paid or unpaid internships. Employment authorization requirements are governed by federal regulations and may change.

Students should consult the U-M International Center for current information and meet with an International Student and Scholar Advisor before accepting an off-campus position, making enrollment changes, or beginning any work.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

For complete eligibility requirements and the latest guidance, visit the International Center’s CPT website.

Considering an internship

The current CPT standard significantly limits off-campus internship opportunities for international students in programs that do not require practical training for graduation.

Before accepting an internship offer or beginning any work, international students should:

  1. Review the International Center’s current employment guidance.
  2. Meet with an International Student and Scholar Advisor to discuss whether employment authorization may be available.
  3. Avoid making commitments to an employer until they understand their authorization options and timelines.

Other forms of authorization, such as pre-completion Optional Practical Training, may be possible depending on an individual student’s circumstances. Pre-completion OPT involves substantial application costs and processing time and is not an option for Fall 2026 internships.

Students who need assistance communicating with an employer or exploring other career opportunities may contact the Engineering Career Resource Center (ECRC) at ecrc-info@umich.edu.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for work directly related to a student’s field of study. Depending on eligibility, OPT may occur before degree completion (pre-completion OPT) or after degree completion (post-completion OPT).

Visit the International Center’s OPT website for current information about:

Students should begin planning well in advance because OPT authorization requires an International Center recommendation and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Requesting an OPT recommendation letter from Robotics

If the International Center instructs you to obtain an OPT recommendation letter from your academic program:

  1. Finalize your registration. Robotics cannot provide the letter until your student record reflects the course or courses you will complete.
  2. Apply for graduation through Wolverine Access.
  3. Submit your completed MS Degree Worksheet, if applicable.
  4. Email robotics-sso@umich.edu to request the letter.
  5. Allow at least two business days for SSO staff to prepare the letter.
  6. Complete all remaining steps listed on the International Center’s OPT website.

A departmental letter does not provide employment authorization. Students may begin employment only after receiving the required authorization and may work only within the authorized dates and conditions.

Important: Immigration rules and institutional procedures can change. If information on this page differs from current International Center guidance, follow the International Center’s guidance and consult an International Student and Scholar Advisor.