Douglas Olsen
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows international students in the US with an F-1 visa to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships during their degree program. CPT is only authorized if the internship is considered an integral part of a student's degree program and is usually only authorized for the duration of the specific semester. Students must be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT, except during their final semester. CPT is not possible for all F-1 students as it depends on the academic requirements of their program. Students must also have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year in their current field of study or major. CPT is requested for the summer or winter term, unless it is the student's final semester.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies for CPT? | F-1 students who have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. Graduate students whose program requires immediate CPT are exempt from this rule. |
| What is CPT? | Curricular Practical Training, a type of work authorization that allows international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships during their degree program. |
| Purpose of CPT | Academic, not just for employment. The internship must be considered an integral part of a student's degree program. |
| Work hours | CPT is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. Students may work full-time with department approval, but they must have part-time enrollment and indicate that they are in their final semester. |
| CPT authorization | CPT authorization is given on a semester basis, and students must apply separately for each semester. CPT is only authorized for the dates of the specific semester. |
| Course enrollment | Students must be enrolled in a course that requires an off-campus training experience. CPT employment must overlap with the internship enrollment semester dates. |
| Student status | Students may be registered for internship units only and still maintain their student status. |
| DSO authorization | DSOs must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. |
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What You'll Learn
CPT requirements for international master's students
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a type of work-based training authorization for international students to gain practical experience in their field of study. CPT is only available to students before they complete their degree program and they must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT is given on a semester basis and is authorized for the dates of the specific semester. Students must apply separately for each semester they wish to do CPT. CPT is only authorized for F-1 students enrolled at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters) in their current field of study/major.
There are two types of CPT: required and optional. Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students in order to graduate. Optional CPT is work experience directly related to the student's field of study that is not required. Students must be enrolled in a CPT course, which is set up and approved by the U-M Office of the Registrar. CPT experiences must be directly linked to a specific course and cannot extend beyond the last day of exams for the semester in which the authorization is granted. Students must maintain full-time enrollment during fall and winter CPT.
To qualify for CPT, students must be enrolled in a course that is listed in the course catalog and is specifically designed for a practical training experience. The course must be a minimum of one credit. Students must also have secured an internship offer that is directly related to their field of study and integral to their curriculum. CPT authorization is given by a DSO (Designated School Official) and is noted on the student's Form I-20. Students must complete the CPT I-20 Request Form and attach an internship offer letter for review by their Academic Advisor/Internship Coordinator.
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CPT registration process
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work-based training authorization for F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. CPT is only required when the training takes place in the United States—it is not necessary for internships in a student's home country. CPT is curricular in nature, so students must enrol in a course that requires an off-campus training experience. CPT is only possible for F-1 students whose academic program has specific academic requirements.
The CPT registration process varies depending on the college, so it is important to check the specific requirements at your college before applying. Here is a general outline of the CPT registration process:
- Check your eligibility: To be eligible for CPT, you must be an F-1 student who has been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters) in your current field of study/major. Students enrolled in graduate studies whose programs require earlier training are exempt from this rule. Additionally, you must not be studying English as a second language and must have secured a training position.
- Speak to a student advisor: Meet with a student advisor at your university to learn more about the CPT programs available, the eligibility requirements, and potential employers.
- Enrol in any required CPT courses: Some colleges require students to take specific CPT courses to become eligible for CPT. For example, at the University of Southern California (USC), students must register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship during the semester they wish to do CPT.
- Obtain a job offer: Secure a specific job or internship offer that is related to your major.
- Submit CPT application: Apply for the CPT program through your university. This typically involves submitting a CPT application form or e-form, which may include an employment letter on company letterhead, your name, date, job title, and description. Remember that authorization can take a few weeks, so plan ahead and submit your application at least two weeks before your internship/employment start date.
- Receive CPT authorization: Once your CPT application is approved, you will receive a document (physical or by email) approving your application and outlining your CPT start and end dates. At USC, the Office of International Services (OIS) will email the electronically signed CPT authorization I-20 to the student within four business days.
- Review CPT authorization: Ensure that the information on your CPT authorization is accurate.
- Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN): If you do not already have an SSN, visit the Social Security Administration Office with your employment letter, CPT authorization, and passport to obtain one.
- Begin working: You may now start your CPT internship. Remember that you must have your CPT authorization with you on your first day of employment. Additionally, you must continue to maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
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CPT work hour restrictions
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. CPT is typically authorised one semester at a time and is based on CPT course enrollment confirmation or the department's required practical training experience. Students may work full-time with department approval but must have part-time enrollment and indicate that they are in their final semester on the CPT request.
Part-time employment is defined as up to 20 hours per week. CPT is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. Students can work part-time on-campus as well as full-time CPT simultaneously. However, CPT is only authorized for the dates of the specific semester. Students must apply separately for each semester they wish to do CPT.
Students seeking CPT must be enrolled in a course that requires employment to earn a grade or a course where they design their research project based on employment. The student's academic department determines the number of internship units according to the academic program. Enrollment in the course must be concurrent with employment, and CPT employment must overlap with the internship enrollment semester dates.
To qualify for CPT, students must be F-1 students and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. Students must also maintain valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (one academic year) before becoming eligible for CPT.
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CPT eligibility
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. CPT is only authorized for internships that are considered an integral part of a student's degree program.
To be eligible for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. The only exception to this is if you are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT. Students must also have properly maintained F-1 status each semester and be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT. The only exception to this is during the student's final semester.
Students seeking CPT authorization must also have secured an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to their current degree. The internship must be appropriate to the student's level of study and major field of study. CPT authorization is given on a semester-by-semester basis, and students must apply separately for each semester.
Each university has different requirements and regulations regarding internships and employment for international students, so it is important to discuss your school's rules about CPT with your Designated School Official (DSO) before applying.
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CPT authorization
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. CPT is designed for academic purposes, and the internship or practicum must be considered an integral part of a student's degree program.
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. The only exception to this rule is if you are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT. Students must also be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT, except during their final semester. CPT authorization is given on a semester-by-semester basis, and students must apply separately for each semester.
Students seeking CPT authorization should contact their international student services office or DSO (Designated School Official) on campus. They will be able to advise on the CPT programs available at your institution, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers. Students must then acquire an employment offer letter from their employer, which includes all the required details, such as workplace address. The DSO will provide the student with a new Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which shows that the DSO has approved the student for employment. CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer. Students must then apply to the CPT program through their college or university.
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Frequently asked questions
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program.
To be eligible for CPT authorization, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. You must also be enrolled full-time for the semester you wish to pursue the CPT, except during your final semester.
Yes, international master's students can do an internship with CPT as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. CPT is available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The steps to apply for CPT may vary depending on your college or university. Here are some general steps: Contact your student advisor to learn about CPT programs, eligibility, and sponsoring employers; acquire an employment offer letter; and apply to the CPT program through your school.
CPT internships must be an integral part of a student's degree program and directly linked to a specific course. Students must also ensure that their academic progress remains their primary objective.
