Working Full-Time On Cpt: Options For International Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows international students in the US to work off-campus in paid positions. CPT is available to F-1 students enrolled at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary, who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year. CPT must be authorized for either part-time or full-time work, and students must maintain their full-time student status even when CPT is authorized. The process of obtaining CPT can be time-consuming and requires coordination between university offices and US government agencies, and students must have active CPT approval from the ISSS office to work off-campus legally.

CPT requirements for F-1 international students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work authorization for international students on F-1 visas. It allows international students to work off-campus during their academic program. To be eligible for CPT, students must meet the following requirements:

• The student must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training.
• The student must not be studying English as a second language.
• The student must have secured a training position or internship offer related to their field of study.
• The student must be enrolled at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary.
• The CPT training must take place in the United States.
• The student must have prior approval from their university and must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
• The student must submit all required documentation, including the internship's start and end dates, the organization's name and address, and the student's job title and description.
• The student must print, sign, and date their Form I-20 and keep all Forms I-20 issued during their academic career.

It is important to note that CPT is processed and authorized term by term, and students should consult their academic department for specific guidelines. Additionally, during their final term of study, students must be enrolled and physically present on campus to comply with F-1 requirements.

CPT application process

The CPT application process for international students in the United States can vary slightly between colleges, but there are some common steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on the CPT application process:

• Eligibility: To be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must be an F-1 student with an F1 visa and have been enrolled in a full-time college program for at least one academic year. It is important to note that you must not be studying English as a second language. Additionally, you need to secure a training position and ensure that the CPT training is authorised within the United States.
• Speak to a Student Advisor: Consult a student advisor at your university to understand the specific CPT programs available, eligibility requirements, and potential employers. They can guide you through the process and ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.
• Complete CPT Courses: Enrol in and complete any college-required CPT courses that are necessary for your eligibility. Each college may have specific requirements, so ensure you are well-informed about these.
• Obtain a Job Offer Letter: Secure a formal job offer letter on official letterhead from your prospective employer. This letter should include details such as the address of the organisation and the training location.
• Apply for CPT Program: Submit your application for the CPT program through your university. This typically involves providing various documents, including proof of class registration and your job offer letter. Remember that authorisation can take several weeks, so plan your application accordingly.
• Authorisation and Documentation: Once your application is approved, you will receive a document outlining your CPT start and end dates. Print, sign, and make a copy of this document, as well as any other relevant documentation. Maintain these records throughout your academic career, as they are essential for visa and college requirements.
• Work and Study Balance: When your CPT program commences, remember that you must maintain a full course of study even while authorised for CPT. Ensure you meet the requirements of both your academic program and the CPT training.
• Address Changes: If there are any changes to your employment details, such as the employer's name or address, promptly report these updates to your Designated School Official (DSO) within the specified timeframe.
• Extension or Modification: In the event that you need to extend or modify your CPT authorisation dates, contact the relevant authorities, such as your International Student Services (ISS) Advisor, to request an extension or submit a new CPT request.
• Maintain Student Status: During summer employment, ensure you have all the necessary information to maintain your student status, and be aware of the steps you need to take before returning to your academic program.

CPT work authorization

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of temporary employment authorization for F-1 student visa holders. CPT allows eligible students to gain practical workplace training, including paid or unpaid employment, internships, or practicum. The position must be directly related to the student's major field of study and can be part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (over 20 hours per week).

To qualify for CPT, students must be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. They must not be studying English as a second language and must have secured a training position. CPT authorization is only required for training inside the United States.

The process of obtaining CPT authorization involves submitting a CPT application to the Designated School Official (DSO) for review and approval. The DSO will determine if the student meets the federal regulations and policy guidance for CPT eligibility. Once approved, the DSO will authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, according to school policies. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.

To apply for work authorization, students must file a Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay a filing fee. USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approving the application. Students should wait to start work until they receive their EAD. While school is in session, students are limited to working 20 hours per week.

It is important to note that having 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, part-time CPT will not affect OPT eligibility. OPT must be related to the student's major or course of study, and students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level.

CPT time limits

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one of two types of practical training available for F-1 students in the United States, the other being Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is integral to a student's major and must be a part of their program of study. CPT must be authorised by a Designated School Official (DSO) and can be authorised for full-time or part-time training.

CPT must be authorised before a student can start working, and the earliest start date must be after one year of full-time enrolment during consecutive fall/spring semesters. CPT is typically authorised one semester at a time and is based on a student's CPT course enrolment confirmation or their department's required practical training experience. Students must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus to maintain lawful F-1 status during the fall and winter terms.

To be eligible for CPT, students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training. Students must also not be studying English as a second language and must have secured a training position. CPT authorisation is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.

Students can be approved for CPT multiple times during their degree program, as long as they continue to make satisfactory progress toward completing their degree. If a student is authorised for 365+ days of full-time CPT, they are not eligible for post-completion OPT at the same degree level. Accumulating part-time CPT generally does not affect OPT eligibility, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review a student's entire CPT history when determining OPT eligibility.

To request a CPT extension, students must submit a CPT request form. This will require an advisor to verify that the CPT request is connected to program requirements or coursework and is connected to their academic plan.

CPT extensions

CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a type of work permission available to F-1 students in the United States. CPT is integral to the student's major and must be a part of their program of study. CPT authorization is only required when the training is taking place inside the United States.

Any extensions, cancellations, or changes to authorized CPT must be first approved by the academic advisor/co-op coordinator and OGS. Once CPT is authorized, students must comply with the authorization granted. Students are expected to keep all Forms I-20 issued during their academic career. When information on the Form I-20 changes, it is best to give a new copy to the student.

Students who have not engaged in 364 days of full-time CPT are not necessarily eligible for an extension of their current CPT authorization. However, full-time students who have applied to change their immigration status to F-1 may be eligible to use time from a previous immigration status towards accruing benefits, such as CPT, as long as the student has previously maintained full-time enrollment requirements.

Students with F-1 records who transfer their SEVIS record to a new institution may be eligible to use enrolled time at the previous institution towards the one academic year requirement for CPT eligibility.

Frequently asked questions