Our CPT & OPT info session brought together more than 120 UF international students eager to understand their work authorization options. Steven from the UF International Center walked everyone through the essentials of CPT and OPT, including eligibility, timelines, and why you should never start working without proper authorization.
CPT is approved by UF and must be directly tied to your major, while OPT is a two‑step process that requires both university authorization and USCIS approval. Steven also shared key reminders about travel, unemployment limits, and when to apply—especially for students graduating soon.
Students asked great questions about processing times, travel during OPT, the impact of recent immigration policies, and how OPT interacts with future plans like H‑1B or green card applications. For case‑specific concerns, Steven encouraged connecting with an immigration attorney.
During the session, I shared upcoming Career Connections Center events and resources to help students prepare for internships, job searches, and conversations with employers about work authorization. Please check here for other exciting events that we have lined up for International Students!
The Career Connections Center will also host the Career Showcase next week, February 2-6, 2026. We hope to see you there!
