214.2(f)(10)
(10) Practical training– (OPT)

Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis, in an SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved college, university, conservatory, or seminary for one full academic year. This provision also includes students who, during their course of study, were enrolled in a study abroad program, if the student had spent at least one full academic term enrolled in a full course of study in the United States prior to studying abroad. A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level. An eligible student may request employment authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her major area of study.

Students in English language training programs are ineligible for practical training.