Lori Meadows
F-1 students at Georgia State University (GSU) may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a type of work authorization that allows international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year in a degree-seeking program and have maintained their F-1 status. CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester. While CPT provides an opportunity for international PhD students to gain work experience in the USA, it is important to note that doctoral dissertation and thesis research hours typically cannot be used to satisfy the credit-bearing course requirement for CPT.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for CPT? | F-1 visa students who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (exceptions include graduate studies requiring earlier training and students transferring from another US school as an F-1 student). |
| Requirements for CPT | Students must have a specific job/internship offer related to their major and must register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship. Students must also maintain their F-1 status each semester and be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT (except during their final semester). |
| CPT authorization | CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester. Work may begin as early as the day following final exams of the previous semester and it may end prior to the start date of the next semester. Students must obtain approval from the Office of International Education (OIE) and receive an updated I-20 form before beginning work. |
| CPT employment | CPT allows for part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) employment. Students may work on campus and on CPT simultaneously, but the total hours worked should not exceed 20 hours per week. |
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What You'll Learn
CPT work requirements and restrictions
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. CPT is typically authorised one semester at a time and is based on your CPT course enrollment confirmation or your department's required practical training experience.
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 authorization is only required when the training takes place in the United States. For example, a summer internship in the student's home country does not need CPT authorization.
During the fall and spring semesters, CPT is typically approved for part-time employment (20 hours a week or less) while classes are in session. Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours a week) will only be approved in limited circumstances, such as during vacation periods when school is not in session or for students in their final semester who are taking less than a full course load, which has been pre-approved by an advisor.
Students may participate in CPT multiple times during their program, but they must obtain new CPT authorization for each semester, including registration for a class in the upcoming semester and all CPT application materials. CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester. Work may begin as early as the day following final exams of the previous semester and must end prior to the start date of the next semester.
If internship/CPT is not required for your degree program, you must register for an appropriate credit-bearing course before applying for CPT. Doctoral dissertation and thesis research hours typically cannot be used to satisfy the credit-bearing course requirement for CPT.
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CPT eligibility for PhD students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students, including PhD students, to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. The purpose of CPT is academic, and the internship or practicum must be considered an integral part of the student's degree program.
To be eligible for CPT, PhD students must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain F-1 visa status: Students must follow immigration regulations and maintain their F-1 visa status, which has no fixed expiration date.
- Full-time enrollment: Students must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (fall and spring semesters) prior to CPT authorization. The only exception is during the student's final semester.
- Academic credit: The employment must be related to the student's major program of study, and they must receive academic credit for the experience.
- Training position: Students must have secured a training position or internship offer.
- School policies: CPT authorization must also comply with the school's policies regarding internships and experiential learning.
It is important to note that CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester. PhD students should plan ahead and ensure that their CPT is authorized in time, as work cannot begin without final approval. Additionally, CPT is employer-specific, and any modifications to the authorized employment require support from the student's academic department.
While CPT provides a great opportunity for international PhD students to gain practical experience, it is crucial to carefully review and adhere to the eligibility requirements and regulations to maintain compliance with visa and academic standards.
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CPT application process
The CPT application process for international PhD students at GSU involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on the process:
- Eligibility: Before initiating the CPT application process, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. As an international student, you must hold a valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year preceding the application. Additionally, you must be in good academic standing and have remaining degree-required courses in your program.
- Employment Offer: CPT authorization is employer-specific, which means you must have a confirmed employment offer to apply. Obtain an employment offer letter that includes all the required details, such as the start and end dates of employment, the number of work hours per week, and a description of how the employment relates to your degree program.
- Application Submission: Submit your CPT application through the designated platform, such as OGMS or iStart. The application process may vary slightly depending on your specific program and department, so it is essential to refer to the instructions provided by your department or the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.
- Advisor Approval: After submitting your application, you will need to share the details of your internship or employment with your faculty advisor. Their approval is necessary for your CPT application to be considered. Ensure that your academic advisor has signed and dated the relevant documentation.
- Registration and Authorization: Once your application has been approved, you will need to register for the CPT course in your respective program of study. This step may involve submitting additional forms, such as a registration assistance form. Remember that CPT authorization is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester.
- Documentation and Compliance: Throughout the process, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, including an updated I-20 form with CPT authorization, proof of registration in the appropriate curricular course, and any other required forms, such as Form I-765 and Form G-1145. Comply with all the requirements and guidelines provided by the ISSS office and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Timeline and Deadlines: Plan ahead and be mindful of the CPT application deadlines. Allow sufficient time for processing, as it can take several weeks for your application to be reviewed and approved. Additionally, remember that CPT work cannot begin without final authorization from ISSS, and any off-campus training undertaken before receiving written authorization may violate F-1 immigration regulations.
It is important to refer to the specific instructions and requirements provided by GSU's International Student & Scholar Services office, as the process may be updated periodically.
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CPT employment specifics
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus academic internships and practicums during their degree program. The purpose of CPT is academic, not just for employment purposes, and the internship/practicum must be considered an integral part of a student’s degree program.
To be eligible for CPT, students must have been in F-1 student status for at least one academic year in a degree-seeking program. They must also be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis, not studying English as a second language, and have secured a training position. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States.
CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester. Work may begin as early as the day following final exams of the previous semester and it may end prior to the start date of the next semester. Students may not begin working without final authorization from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). During the fall and spring semesters, CPT is typically approved for part-time employment (20 hours a week or less) while classes are in session. Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours a week) will only be approved in limited circumstances, such as during vacation periods or for students in their final semester who are taking less than a full course load.
Students must also register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship during the semester they wish to do CPT. Doctoral dissertation and thesis research hours cannot be used to satisfy the credit-bearing course requirement for CPT unless the student’s dissertation or thesis requires gathering data at a particular corporation’s research and development facilities, which requires employment or permission for access.
CPT is employer-specific, meaning an offer of employment is required to apply. Students must also maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
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CPT authorization and approval
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus academic internships and practicums during their degree program. CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester. 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: students who attended another school in the US as an F-1 student and transferred their SEVIS record, and students enrolled in degree programs that require an internship or practicum hours in their first year.
CPT authorization is granted by Designated School Officials (DSOs) and is only required when the training is inside the United States. DSOs must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. During the fall and spring semesters, CPT is typically approved for part-time employment (20 hours a week or less) while classes are in session. Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) will only be approved in limited circumstances, such as during vacation periods or for students in their final semester who are taking less than a full course load. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
To obtain CPT authorization, students must submit a CPT Request e-form and provide information such as the employer's name and address, start and end dates of employment, and hours per week. Students must also have a specific job or internship offer that is related to their major. The CPT authorization will be added to the student's record, and they will receive an updated Form I-20, which serves as proof of employment eligibility. Students must keep all Forms I-20 issued during their academic career and provide a new copy to their employer when information changes.
It is important to plan ahead and ensure that all parts of the CPT application are submitted, processed, and approved before employment begins. CPT authorization ends prior to the start of classes in the next semester, and students must obtain new CPT authorization to continue working. Students must also successfully complete all internship courses to be eligible for current and future CPT authorizations.
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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.
Students must have been in F-1 student status for at least one academic year in a degree-seeking program and must be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT. CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester.
Yes, international PhD students can work on CPT in the USA at Georgia State University (GSU) as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Doctoral dissertation and thesis research hours typically cannot be used to satisfy the credit-bearing course requirement for CPT, unless the student's dissertation or thesis requires gathering data at a particular corporation's research and development facilities.
Students must submit a CPT Request e-form and receive approval from the Office of International Education (OIE). They must also have an offer of employment and register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship.
During the fall and spring semesters, CPT is typically approved for part-time employment (20 hours a week or less) while classes are in session. Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours a week) may be approved during vacation periods or for students in their final semester with pre-approval from an advisor.
