OPT/CPT/AT Related Questions and Answers

• Question: "When should I start my OPT, because I am all done with my courses, but will not defend my theses/dissertation until fall 2006?"
  

• Answer: You must begin your OPT as soon as you have completed the course of study. In other words, there are not any courses and/or research credits left to take. You cannot use CRG to maintain student status.

• Question: "Can I go part time in the fall 2006 semester with one research credit, because I will not defend my theses/dissertation until December 2006?"
  

• Answer: You cannot extend your student status willfully. If all you are doing is defending your theses/dissertation, you must go on OPT. On the other hand, if preparation of the theses/dissertation requires additional research work, you must register for research credit and submit a letter from your advisor supporting this need.

• Question: "When should I start my OPT, I do not graduate until December 2006?"
  

• Answer: : You must start your OPT within 60 days of completion of the course of study (all but dissertation and/or thesis preparation). You must begin the OPT application process before the start of your 60 days. In other words, if you completed the course of study on May 22nd, OPT must begin no later than July 22. The application process must begin as early as February 22nd, and as late as July 5th.

• Question: "Can I go on CPT first, while I wait for my OPT authorization, I may be done with all my required coursework now?"
  

• Answer: CPT is only available for students who have not completed the course of study (they must attend one or more semester of classes), or when it is required by the student's program.

• Question: "Can I go part time in the Fall 2006 semester, travel home for a month, then apply for OPT in December 2006?
  

• Answer: As long as you are maintaining status (e.g., part-time or full-time), you may travel home any time you desire. Please note that you must maintain status. If going part-time does not violate your status, you may travel home and on your return apply for OPT. It is important that your advisor is aware of your plans and that the Graduate School grants you permission to go part-time. If I have both of their approvals, ISS will approve your plans.

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This site was last updated on Aug 30, 2006 . Questions or Comments?