CPT is an F-1 student benefit. It is authorization for employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum and is related to a student’s major area of study. This can be defined as: alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education (CO-OP) or other type of required internship or practicum. Click
for detailed information regarding CPT. The following downloadable form is needed to apply for CPT:
OPT is an F-1 student benefit. It is authorization for employment directly related to a student’s major of study. The following downloadable forms are needed to apply for OPT:
In order to apply for optional practical training, you must be able to respond “Yes” to the following questions:
1. Is your I-20 current? Does it reflect your current field of study and educational level?
2. Do you have a valid, unexpired passport?
3. Have you had less than
12 months of full-time curricular practical training (CPT)?
4. Have you been a full-time student for one full academic year?
5. Have you been full-time as an F-1 student every semester you attended Monmouth (12 credit hour minimum)?
If you have answered “no” to any of these questions you will need to speak with an immigration counselor in OIL by phone (309-457-2241) or during walk-in hours.
If you answered “yes” to all of the questions, you will need to complete the OPT forms. All of the OPT forms are available online and may be downloaded from the web. After completing the OPT Certification form, you must make an appointment
(with whom?) for an OPT follow-up session. During the OPT follow-up session you may turn in your completed paperwork and ask individual questions of the Director of Intercultural Life at Monmouth College. Please allow five (5) working days for the Director to process your OPT paperwork. You will be given a pick-up slip for your OPT paperwork when you turn it in. Mailing instructions will be given to you at the time you pick up your OPT application.