Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – Curricular Practical Training gives international students authorization to gain employment training and to work in paid internships positions. Students have a chance to work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week) earning money in US dollars and gain work experience in their area of interest. CPT must be work training that is necessary to complete a degree program. Not all degree programs will require CPT, but it’s often found in practical courses such as business and engineering where students can learn more by putting their studies into practice in the workplace.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – An employment authorization document is a document issued by USCIS that allows individuals who already hold a U.S. visa to work legally in the U.S.
Nonresident Alien (NRA) – A Nonresident Alien is any person that qualifies for temporary entry to the United States (U.S.) for a specific purpose and a limited period of time. A passport establishes identification and is issued by the visitor’s country of citizenship. A visa, obtained overseas at a U.S. Consular Office, permits a visitor to travel to the U.S. for a stated purpose (visa classification) but does not guarantee admission to the country. At the port of entry a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official must authorize the visitor’s admission to the U.S. and note the permitted length of stay on the USCIS Form I-94 Record of Arrival-Departure. Employment eligibility, if any, is subject to USCIS restrictions and ceases at the conclusion of a program, or expiration of the period of lawful stay, or as noted by USCIS.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Optional Practical Training is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).
Practical Training (PT) – Practical Training provides international students with experience in their field of study during or after completing a program in the U.S. This training offers valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills students have learned in school.
Substantial Presence Test (SPT) – The Substantial Presence Test is a calculation that determines the resident or nonresident status of a foreign national for tax purposes in the U.S. The SPT must be applied on a yearly basis.