Lori Meadows
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus authorization for paid and unpaid positions directly related to the major field of study of an F-1 student. CPT is not a separate immigration status or visa type but rather a benefit of F-1 status. To qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. CPT can be used to authorize a variety of positions, including employment, internships, fellowships, and practicums. Students are expected to maintain physical presence on campus during the fall and winter terms and must be enrolled full-time even when CPT is authorized. CPT is processed and authorized term by term, and students must apply for work authorization by filing a Form I-765 with USCIS and paying a filing fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CPT full meaning | Curricular Practical Training |
| CPT type of work permission | Alternative work/study, internship, co-op or other type of required practical training |
| CPT authorization | Designated School Officials (DSOs) must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis |
| CPT authorization requirement | CPT is only required when the training is inside the United States |
| CPT eligibility | F-1 students who have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school |
| CPT application | Contact your student advisor at your university to find out which CPT programs are available at your institution, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers |
| CPT application fee | There is no cost to the student for the CPT application |
| CPT application documents | CPT Request Form, 100% CPT Final Quiz results, and the offer letter |
| CPT start date | On or after the date that CPT is authorized in SEVIS |
| CPT employment end date | Date the CPT training will end |
| CPT full-time/part-time | Indicate whether the training is full or part-time |
| CPT employment | CPT can be used to authorize a variety of positions, including employment, internships, fellowships, practicums, etc |
| CPT employment location | CPT can only be authorized for a specific position at a U.S. organization, at a specific location |
| CPT employment duration | CPT can only be authorized one term at a time |
| CPT employment hours | CPT full-time employment is more than 20 hours per week; CPT part-time employment is 20 hours or less per week |
| CPT and OPT | 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
What You'll Learn
CPT authorization requirements
CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student’s home country does not need CPT authorization. CPT is an F-1 off-campus authorization for paid and unpaid positions directly related to the major field of study listed on page 1 of the Form I-20. CPT can be used to authorize a variety of positions, including employment, internships, fellowships, practicums, etc. CPT authorization and employment information will be annotated on page 2 or 3 of the CPT I-20.
To be eligible for CPT authorization, students must have been in F-1 student status for at least one academic year in a degree-seeking program before they can apply for CPT. There are two exceptions to this regulation. Firstly, students who attended another school in the US as an F-1 student and transferred their SEVIS record to a new school. These students must submit copies of their previous school’s I-20 and official transcripts for review. Secondly, students in graduate studies whose programs require earlier training.
Students must also have successfully completed all internship courses to be eligible for current and future CPT authorizations. Students must register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship during the semester they wish to do CPT. Students in certain master's degree programs are exempt from registering for an internship course for CPT purposes.
DSOs must authorize CPT either on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with the school policies. When school is in session, the student must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. The CPT start date must be on or after the date that CPT is authorized in SEVIS. Students cannot legally work before CPT is authorized in SEVIS.
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CPT application process
The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application process for international students in the United States involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the CPT application process:
Eligibility:
Firstly, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for CPT. You must be an F-1 student enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and not studying English as a second language. Additionally, you need to secure a training position related to your field of study. CPT is intended for experiences that are integral to your curriculum or a requirement of your degree program.
Advising and Planning:
Speak to a student advisor or academic counsellor at your university to understand the specific CPT programs, eligibility requirements, and potential employers. They can guide you in determining if CPT is a necessary component for completing your thesis or dissertation research. Planning ahead is crucial, as CPT authorization can take a few weeks to process.
Employer and Training Details:
Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer, including the company name and address, and a detailed description of the training. This training description should outline specific duties, tasks, and goals to demonstrate how the employment is curricular and related to your field of study.
Application Submission:
Gather all the required documentation, including proof of class registration, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Certificate, and any other university-specific requirements. Submit your CPT application through the designated platform or portal, ensuring that you meet the deadlines and any departmental requirements for the quarter or semester.
Authorization and Approval:
Once your application is complete and approved by your department, it will be processed by the designated international student centre or office at your university. They will verify your documentation and provide you with an updated Form I-20, which shows their recommendation for the training opportunity. This process can take approximately 1-2 weeks, and you will receive an approval document outlining your CPT start and end dates.
Work Authorization:
With your CPT approval, you can now begin the work authorization process by filing a Form I-765 with USCIS and paying the associated fee. USCIS will send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approving your petition. Remember, you are only permitted to work during the duration stated on your CPT approval, and you must adhere to the specific semester or quarter requirements.
Please note that the CPT application process may vary slightly between different colleges and universities, so it is essential to consult with your specific institution for their detailed guidelines and requirements.
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CPT restrictions
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 off-campus authorization for paid and unpaid positions directly related to the major field of study listed on page 1 of the Form I-20. CPT can be used to authorize a variety of positions, including employment, internships, fellowships, and practicums.
CPT is subject to several restrictions that international students must consider before participating in a Work Study Program. Firstly, students must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require immediate CPT. Secondly, CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. Thirdly, students must have received a qualifying job offer before submitting their CPT authorization request, and this job offer must be in their major or field of study.
Additionally, CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. CPT authorization must be granted either on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with the school's policies. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
Furthermore, if a student has 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training). However, part-time CPT is acceptable and will not affect OPT eligibility. OPT must be related to the student's major or course of study, and they can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level.
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CPT vs OPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of work authorizations available to international students in the United States. CPT is an alternative work-study, internship, or other type of required practical training that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with a college or university. It must be completed before graduating from the program and must be integral to the student's course of study. OPT, on the other hand, can be completed before or after graduation and is not necessarily tied to a specific curriculum. OPT must relate to the student's major or course of study.
CPT authorization is only required for training inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. DSOs (Designated School Officials) must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, according to school policies. Students must maintain a full course load even when CPT is authorized. CPT is only available to F-1 students enrolled at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. The student must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, must not be studying English as a second language, and must have secured a training position.
OPT is available at each education level, and students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT at each level. The OPT application process is lengthy (90+ days), so students should apply as early as possible. Students must apply for work authorization by filing a Form I-765 with USCIS and paying a filing fee. USCIS will send an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) upon approval of the Form I-765. Students should not start work until they have received their EAD. While school is in session, students may only work 20 hours per week.
It is important to note that students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT will not affect OPT eligibility.
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CPT employment
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is an F-1 off-campus authorization for paid and unpaid positions directly related to the major field of study listed on page 1 of the Form I-20. CPT can be used to authorize a variety of positions, including employment, internships, fellowships, practicums, etc. CPT is not a separate immigration status or visa type but rather a benefit of F-1 status.
To apply for CPT, students must submit a completed CPT Request Form, 100% CPT Final Quiz results, and an offer letter. CPT is processed and authorized term by term. Students must have separate CPT course registrations for each term if their CPT occurs in more than one academic term.
Students can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week) during CPT. However, if a student completes 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training). While school is in session, students may only work 20 hours per week.
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Frequently asked questions
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It is an alternative work/study, internship, co-op or other type of required practical training that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with your college or university. CPT is not a separate immigration status or visa type but rather a benefit of F-1 status.
To qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit. You must have received a qualifying job offer before submitting your CPT authorization request. Your job offer must be in your major or field of study.
The steps to apply for CPT vary depending on your college or university. Contact your student advisor at your university to find out which CPT programs are available, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers. Acquire an employment offer letter from your employer with all required details (e.g. workplace address, position title and description of activities, supervisor's name and email address, etc.). Submit a completed CPT Request Form, 100% CPT Final Quiz results, and the offer letter to your DSO.
Yes, CPT can be authorized for a specific position at a U.S. organization, at a specific location, during specific dates. CPT can be full-time and is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. However, full-time CPT during the academic year may be limited to local jobs or working remotely due to the full-time enrollment requirement.
