Request OPT/CPT Letters

For international graduate students attending GW on an F-1 visa and seeking to do Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), please read this page carefully prior to requesting certification letters.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Certification Letter

OPT is defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as "temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study." The purpose of the OPT Certification letter verifies the student's program completion date or the date in which students have officially completed their final courses and exams at GW.

Steps to request  OPT authorization:

• Follow instructions on the ISO Website.
• All OPT applications must be submitted through the ISO Gateway.
• When filling out the application on the ISO gateway, please make sure to indicate [email protected] as your academic advisor to review your application
  • This will send an automatic email to your advisor at [email protected]. They will review your record and note if you are prepared to graduate. 
  • Once deemed eligible by your SEAS Professional Advisor, they will verify your graduation date and state that you have met all the requirements for graduation.
• Once your SEAS Graduate Professional Advisor approves and verifies your graduation date, this will send an automatic email back to the ISO to approve your work authorization request. 
• The ISO will be able to give you any additional information regarding the work authorization process or your EAD card moving forward.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Certification Letters

CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is permission for international students to engage in off-campus employment or an internship related to the student's degree program. It is an integral part of a degree program for which work authorization is provided to allow students to gain practical experience in their field while still taking courses for their degree.

The CPT letter from the your graduate professional advisor serves to verify the connection between your current program of study and the position for which you are requesting CPT authorization.

For more information on how to apply to CPT, please check out our Flow Chart.

Steps to request a CPT letter:

1. Gather required documents:
   • Official offer letter from the employer written on their official company letterhead.
   • Self-written proposal letter stating how the proposed training is directly related to your field of study and expected graduation date (as listed in the ISO guidelines).
      
2. Email both letters to [email protected]. We will confirm receipt of the documents and contact you if any additional information is needed.
    
3. If you are considered eligible, a letter will be created and sent to your faculty advisor who will complete, review and sign the letter.
    
4. The faculty advisor will email your signed letter once it is complete. It is important that you wait for your faculty advisor or department to contact you. Please DO NOT go to the advisor's office or department without receiving an email from them first. This process takes approximately one week, depending on volume at various times of the year.
    
5. After you receive the CPT letter and collect all required documentation, you may submit the completed application in person to the GW International Services Office.

*Please note: The offer letter from the employer should include the official position and role. It should not simply state that you are serving as an intern. The CPT experience is not an internship, but rather a practical training that directly relates to your studies. The letter should state what your specific duties will be and include start and end dates for the position.

Extension of CPT employment authorization

If the employer would like to extend their offer for the same position within the same semester, please contact your ISO advisor directly. An additional letter will not be required.

If you would like to request a new CPT authorization at the same employer for a new term, you will need to send an updated offer letter and a new proposal letter. Please send these documents to [email protected].

Any questions regarding new CPT employment authorization at the same employer should also be directed to your ISO Advisor.