Optional Practical Training Workshops
To apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must first complete the mandatory "OPT Course" in Homebase. Following this, you need to sign up for an OPT Workshop, which is also mandatory. If you are unable to attend a workshop, you can set up a meeting with your Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss OPT. Both completing the "OPT Course" and attending the workshop (or meeting with your DSO) are mandatory steps. Your request to apply for the OPT I-20 will not be added to your Global Bears profile until after you have fulfilled these requirements.
Please note attendance at an OPT Workshop during your last semester is required to be eligible to apply for OPT. Although you can attend a workshop earlier, only attendance in your last semester will count for this requirement.
Homebase Course
In this course, you'll learn everything you need to know about the OPT application process, including eligibility criteria, required documentation, and important deadlines. We'll also cover employment considerations, such as job relevance and reporting requirements, and how to maintain your F-1 status while on OPT. Additionally, you'll get some information on the STEM OPT extension and resources available to support you throughout the process.
Click Here to begin the OPT course!
Registering for OPT Workshops
Sign-ups for OPT workshops will be located in your Global Bears account. You will need to upload your OPT Certificate of Completion to sign up for a workshop. If you are unable to make a workshop you will need to set up a meeting with your DSO. The OPT Certificate of Completion is also required for an OPT meeting.
All workshops begin at 4:00pm and last until 5:00pm. You must arrive by 4:00pm. If you are late, you will NOT be allowed to enter the workshop and will have to attend a different one.
OPT Workshops for the Spring 2025 semester are on the following dates:
- Monday, February 3, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Monday, February 17, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Monday, March 3, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Monday, March 17, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Tuesday, April, 22, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Monday, May, 5, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
*Additional OPT Workshops will be scheduled as needed. Please monitor your Baylor email for updates from ISSS about dates and times. If none of the dates and times work with your class/Lab schedule, email your DSO to set up a meeting*
Curricular Practical Training (Internship) Workshops
Learn about the process to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as well as employment considerations and reporting requirements. The purpose of CPT is for international students to engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study.
To begin, you must first complete the mandatory "CPT Course" in Homebase. After completing the course, sign up for a CPT Workshop, which is also mandatory. If you cannot attend a workshop, you need to set up a meeting with your Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss your CPT.
Both completing the course and attending the workshop (or meeting with your DSO) are mandatory steps to ensure you meet all requirements and successfully apply for CPT.
Homebase Course
In this course, you'll learn about the CPT application process, including eligibility criteria, required documentation, and important deadlines. We'll also cover employment considerations, such as job relevance and reporting requirements, and how to maintain your F-1 status while on CPT. Additionally, you'll get information on the benefits of CPT, like gaining practical experience and building your professional network.
Click Here to begin the CPT course!
Registering for CPT Workshops
Sign-ups for CPT workshops will be located in your Global Bears account. You will need to upload your CPT Certificate of Completion to sign up for a workshop. If you are unable to make a workshop you will need to set up a meeting with your DSO. The CPT Certificate of Completion is also required for an CPT meeting.
All workshops begin at 4:00pm and last until 5:00pm. You must arrive by 4:00pm. If you are late, you will NOT be allowed to enter the workshop and will have to attend a different one.
CPT Workshops for the Spring 2025 semester are on the following dates:
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
- Thursday, April, 24, 2025 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Sid Richardson Building 231
*Additional CPT Workshops will be scheduled as needed. Please monitor your Baylor email for updates from ISSS about dates and times. If none of the dates and times work with your class/Lab schedule, email your DSO to set up a meeting*
H-1B Workshop
Come learn about the H-1B application process from an employee perspective including eligibility requirements, eligible occupations and timing concerns. Permanent Residency will also be discussed. Check back for updates on fall 2023 H-1B workshops.
Tax Workshops
Need help filing your taxes? Come to our Tax Workshop to learn more about important updates on changes in tax law, as well as how to use Sprintax, our office's free software for filing taxes as an F-1 or J-1 international student or scholar.
Upcoming Sprintax Tax Webinars for the Spring 2024 semester:
- Check back in this space for updates on Spring 2024 tax workshop webinars soon.