Savanna Hoffman
International PhD students on F-1 visas in the US are allowed to work during their degree through the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program. CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. There are two types of CPT: required and optional. Students can undertake internships, cooperative education, or other types of required or optional internships or practicums offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with their school. However, CPT is only available prior to the completion of the degree program, and students must have a job offer at the time of application. The process can be complex, and students must carefully navigate rules and restrictions, especially with the added complexity of COVID-19-related temporary rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. |
| Requirements | To be eligible for CPT, students must have a job offer at the time of application and must be enrolled full-time. |
| Timing | CPT is only available prior to the completion of the degree program. During the semester, students are typically allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours/week, while during the summer term, they can work full-time (up to 40 hours/week). |
| Work Type | CPT employment includes alternate work/study, internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. |
| International Students | International students on F-1 visas are allowed to work outside the university during the summer term via full-time CPT. |
| Processing Time | Normal processing time for CPT applications is 1-2 weeks, extending to 2 weeks during peak request times (April, September, and January). |
| Documentation | Students are expected to keep all Forms I-20 issued during their academic career and provide updated copies when information changes. |
| OPT Visa | PhD students who have used up their OPT visa can apply for a visa change after completing their PhD by asking their employer to sponsor an H1B visa. |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time vs. full-time CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. It can include internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. CPT is only available before the completion of your degree program, and you must have a job offer to apply.
CPT can be done on a full-time or part-time basis. During the summer term, international students on F-1 visas can work outside the university with "full-time" CPT for up to 40 hours a week. During the semester, students are usually allowed a maximum of 20 hours a week, including on-campus employment. If you work for 20 or fewer hours a week, you typically qualify for "part-time" CPT. Full-time CPT for internships during the semester is only allowed in certain special circumstances.
Students on F-1 visas are allowed to pursue internships or co-op positions during the summer and winter terms, as well as during the Fall and Spring semesters through the CPT program. CPT is processed and authorized term by term, and there are two types: required and optional. Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students to graduate. Optional CPT is work experience directly related to your field of study that is not required.
Part-time CPT is unlimited, and PhD students can use it as much as possible before deciding to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Full-time CPT can be used for up to 12 months before it affects OPT eligibility. If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT will not affect your OPT eligibility.
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CPT eligibility and requirements
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) enables F-1 students to take part in internships or other experiences that are integral to the curriculum of their degree program. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States.
To be eligible for CPT authorization, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be in F-1 status and maintaining that status.
- You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters) in your current field of study/major.
- You must have successfully completed all internship courses to be eligible for current and future CPT authorizations.
- You must have a 50% RA/TA/GA/fellowship.
There are four semesters during which one may apply for CPT: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. CPT experiences must be directly linked to a specific course, and CPT cannot extend beyond the last day of exams for the semester in which the authorization is granted. CPT is processed and authorized term by term.
If all requirements are met, the advisor will approve your CPT and create a CPT I-20 showing this approval. No work, paid or unpaid, may take place until your CPT I-20 is printed. You are expected to keep all Forms I-20 issued during your academic career.
Please note that CPT does not interfere with students' eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation unless they have completed a total of 12 months of full-time CPT during their degree program.
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CPT application process
The CPT application process for international PhD students can vary slightly between colleges, but there are some common steps and requirements. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Requirements
Before initiating the CPT application process, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. As an international PhD student, you must possess an F1 visa and have been enrolled full-time in your college program for at least one academic year. Additionally, your CPT application must be supported by a job offer letter or internship opportunity integral to your curriculum. CPT is available only prior to completing your degree program, and the employment cannot delay your graduation.
Step 2: Consult with Advisors
Speak to student advisors, academic departments, and faculty members to gather information about CPT programs, eligibility requirements, and potential employers. They can guide you in determining whether your intended employment qualifies as CPT and advise you on the necessary steps.
Step 3: Secure Employment or Internship
Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from your prospective employer. This letter should include details such as the employer's name and address and a description of the training or internship. Ensure that the employment is directly linked to your curriculum and falls within the designated semesters for CPT: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer.
Step 4: Enroll in Necessary Courses
Some colleges require you to register for specific internship courses or CPT-designated courses. For instance, at the University of Southern California (USC), students must register for internship courses offered by their academic departments. Check with your college to identify any mandatory courses you need to enroll in to be eligible for CPT.
Step 5: Compile Documentation
Gather all the necessary documentation, including proof of class registration, your job offer letter, and any other relevant forms. You may also need to provide a detailed training description and ensure your academic records are in order.
Step 6: Submit CPT Application
Submit your CPT application through the designated process at your college or university. This typically involves completing the CPT I-20 Request Form and any other college-specific forms. Provide all the required documentation and follow up with the relevant departments to ensure a smooth application process.
Step 7: Await Approval
The CPT application approval time can vary, typically ranging from one to two weeks. During peak request times, the process may take up to two full weeks. You will receive a document or email approving your application, outlining your CPT start and end dates.
Step 8: Sign and Share Documentation
Once you receive approval, print, sign, and date the CPT approval document. Keep a copy for your personal records and share the relevant documentation with your employer. You may also need to provide a copy to your academic advisor or the designated school official (DSO).
Step 9: Maintain Compliance
While participating in CPT, remember that you must maintain your full-time student status and ensure that academic progress is your primary objective. Any changes to your training opportunity or academic enrollment should be promptly reported to the relevant authorities, as outlined by your college or university.
Please note that this is a general overview, and specific steps may vary depending on your educational institution. Always refer to the CPT program requirements provided by your college or university for detailed instructions on the application process.
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CPT during the summer term
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT is available only prior to the completion of a degree program and a student must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay the completion of the academic program. CPT is requested for the summer or winter term (if it is not the final semester).
During the summer term, international students on F-1 visas are allowed to be employed outside the university via "full-time" CPT for up to 40 hours/week. During the semester, students are typically allowed to be employed for a maximum of 20 hours/week, including on-campus RA/TA employment. If a student's internship/co-op employer makes them an offer to work for 20 or fewer hours/week, they typically qualify for a "part-time" CPT and are in compliance with the 20 hours/week cap on employment.
Full-time CPT for internship employment in the 20-40 hours/week range during the semester seems to be allowed only in certain special circumstances. For example, if a student is enrolled full-time and the CPT is necessary to complete a dissertation, thesis, or project, then full-time CPT may be approved.
CPT authorization is semester-specific, and there are four semesters during which one may apply for CPT: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. CPT experiences must be directly linked to a specific course. CPT cannot extend beyond the last day of exams for the semester in which the authorization is granted. CPT may begin before the semester starts; however, it cannot overlap with the previous semester.
If a student is approved for a CPT that does not run the full length of a semester and needs additional time to complete academic requirements for their CPT course, an extension for additional time during that term may be possible.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions for PhD students who have completed all their coursework and are now registered for dissertation/research hours only. However, such exceptions are rare. Although full-time CPT is allowed during the fall and winter semesters, the full-time enrollment requirement makes employment outside of the university area highly impractical in most situations.
Additionally, temporary rules brought about by the pandemic mean that international students must be extra careful before accepting any internship offers during the summer or semester. Students should check whether current CPT rules (including any COVID-related temporary restrictions) allow them to be employed for in-person work with a non-university employer.
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OPT visa and STEM extensions
OPT, or Optional Practical Training, is a type of training program that allows international students on an F-1 visa in the United States to work in their field of study. OPT can be used both during and after the completion of a degree program. PhD students are in a unique situation regarding OPT regulations, as they may use their employment for PhD research or balance working with their research.
Students who have completed their required coursework but have not yet defended their thesis and graduated can choose to end their I-20 and apply for OPT. This option presents PhD students with many choices. The most popular approach is to complete the PhD and then work on OPT. Current students working on their research are also eligible for CPT, which can be used as much as possible before deciding to apply for OPT. Part-time CPT is unlimited, and full-time CPT can be used for up to 12 months before affecting OPT in any way.
If CPT has been used to its maximum or is not appropriate for a desired job, PhD students can choose to end their I-20 any time after their required coursework is complete and begin OPT. This option should be used carefully, as students interested in using the STEM extension should complete their degree before their first year of OPT runs out to be eligible to apply for the extension. If the degree is not completed after the OPT ends, the student would have to leave the US to complete their degree remotely.
Certain F-1 students who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. The student must also pursue their practical training through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. The practical training opportunity must be directly related to the previously obtained STEM degree.
To apply for the STEM OPT extension, students must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, up to 90 days before their current OPT employment authorization expires and within 60 days of the date the designated school official (DSO) enters the OPT recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. If the STEM OPT extension application is filed on time and the OPT period expires while the extension application is pending, the employment authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days.
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Frequently asked questions
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. This includes internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
Yes, international PhD students can work on CPT. Students on F-1 visas in the US are allowed to pursue internships or co-op positions during the summer/winter terms as well as during the Fall/Spring semesters through the CPT program.
International PhD students must meet certain requirements to work on CPT, including having a job offer at the time of application and maintaining full-time enrollment during the fall and winter CPT. Students must also ensure that their CPT application is approved by an International Student and Scholar Advisor and receive a CPT I-20 showing this approval before starting any work.
