Explore other offices & services
Career Success, Bastian Family Center for
College Engagement, Office of Advancement
Community Service, Mark & Jeannette Kleine Center for
Disability Support Services, Office of
Global Studies, Eleanor Stellyes Center for
Government & Community Relations, Office of
Information Technology Services
Institutional Research, Office of
International Student Services, Office of
Knox Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing
Research & Advanced Study, Gerald & Carol Vovis Center for
Student Development, Division of
Student Financial Services, Office of
Alex Pia
Director of International Student Services
2 E. South Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
What is Practical Training?
Practical training allows F-1 visa students to gain practical work experience in their fields of study. Students are eligible to apply for practical training after the completion of one academic year. There are two types of practical training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Students may be authorized for CPT prior to graduation; students may be authorized for pre-completion OPT before graduation, and for post-completion OPT after graduation. CPT may be adjudicated by the DSO; OPT requires adjudication by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).