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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT allows international students to engage in training that is an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to their major area of study. CPT should be driven by students’ curriculum not by their desire for employment.
We hope this page will help students to gain a better understanding of CPT.
Upcoming CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Info Sessions via Zoom
Fridays, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Zoom meeting link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/6156596035
| Date |
|---|
| June 27, 2025 |
| October 3, 2025 |
| January 23, 2026 |
| April 17, 2026 |
| June 26, 2026 |
Pre-completion OPT
Pre-completion OPT is OPT that students can engage in before completion of their studies.
Learn More| CPT | Pre-completion OPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Reviewed by | International Student Advisor at UW Tacoma | United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| Fee | None | $410 |
| Offer from Employer | Required | Not required |
| Internship Class | Required (must register before the deadline to add a class) | Not required |
| Processing Time | 5 business days | 90 calendar days or longer |
| Hours per week | Up to 40 hours/week | Limited to 20 hours per week while enrolled in classes and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. |
| Post-completion OPT Implication | Loss of eligibility when full-time CPT authorization is active for 365 calendar days. Otherwise, no impact.** | Time spent on Pre-completion OPT will be deducted from 12 months of Post-completion OPT. |
