Working In The Usa: Cpt Options For International Phd Students

International students in the US on an F-1 visa can undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain work experience. CPT is a type of temporary employment authorization that must be related to a course in the student's major program of study. To be eligible for CPT, students must be enrolled full-time and have completed one academic year (fall and spring semesters). CPT can be undertaken part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time, and it can begin after the last day of finals in the prior semester. Students must receive approval from the Office of International Education (OIE) and obtain an updated I-20 form before starting work. This form of training is a great opportunity for international PhD students to gain valuable work experience related to their field of study and can provide a good foundation for their future careers.

CPT authorization requirements

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of temporary, off-campus employment authorization for F-1 visa students. CPT is only available to students whose employment is required for, or directly related to, their major program of study. Students must also receive academic credit for the experience.

• 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:
• Students who attended another US school as an F-1 student and transferred their SEVIS record can submit copies of their previous school's I-20 and official transcripts for review.
• Students enrolled in degree programs that require an internship or practicum hours to fulfill degree requirements (as stated in the USC Catalogue) are exempt from registering for an internship course for CPT purposes.
• CPT must be an integral part of the degree program's curriculum.
• Students must register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship during the semester they wish to do CPT.
• Students must successfully complete all internship courses to be eligible for current and future CPT authorizations.
• Students must receive approval from OIE for their CPT authorization and must wait to receive an updated I-20 form before starting work.
• CPT authorizations may begin after the last day of finals in the prior semester and should end before the start of classes in the next semester, unless it is the student's final semester. In this case, CPT should end on the last day of finals of that semester.
• CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer.
• CPT is employer-specific, meaning an offer of employment is required to apply.
• Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
• Students can work full-time or part-time.
• Students can work remotely in the US or abroad if the employer allows it and the student adheres to the in-person requirements of their courses.
• Students must report any changes in name, address, employer, and loss of employment to their DSO within 10 days of any change.

CPT employment conditions

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of temporary, off-campus employment authorisation for international students in the US on an F-1 visa. CPT employment must be related to a course in the student's major program of study, and the student must receive academic credit for the experience.

CPT Requirements

To be eligible for CPT, students must:

• Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (unless the student is in graduate studies, in which case they are exempt from this requirement if their degree program requires immediate CPT participation).
• Have an employer for CPT (self-employment is not allowed).
• Have employment that is clearly related to their field of study.
• Have an internship or co-op placement that does not exceed the maximum number of credits allowed for the term.
• Have a training position secured (CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States).
• Have approval from the Office of International Education (OIE) and receive an updated I-20 form before starting work.
• Be enrolled in internship/co-op credits while participating in CPT.
• Have a Form I-20 with the CPT authorization, which includes the employer's name, address, and specific employment dates.

CPT employment can be either full-time or part-time. Students can work full-time during university holidays and vacations but must not exceed 20 hours of work per week while school is in session. CPT employment cannot begin without approval and issuance of an updated I-20 form, and it must be employer-specific, meaning an offer of employment is required to apply.

There is no limitation on the length of time a student may participate in CPT. However, if a student participates in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT authorizations should end before the start of classes in the next semester, unless the student is in their final semester, in which case CPT should end on the last day of finals.

CPT application process

The CPT application process for international PhD students in the USA at GSU involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on the CPT application process:

Step 1: Eligibility and Requirements

First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for CPT. As an international PhD student, you must have an F-1 visa and have been enrolled full-time in a college program for at least one academic year. Additionally, you must secure an employment offer related to your major program of study and receive academic credit for the experience.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Before starting the application process, gather all the required documentation. This includes proof of class registration, an employment offer letter on official letterhead, and any other specific information requested by your university.

Step 3: Consult with Advisors

Speak to a student advisor or the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office at your university to understand the CPT programs available, eligibility requirements, and potential employers. They can guide you through the process and ensure you meet all the requirements.

Step 4: Complete CPT Courses

Take any college-required CPT courses necessary to become eligible for CPT. These courses should be related to your major program of study and approved by your academic advisor or supervising faculty member.

Step 5: Apply for CPT

Submit your CPT application through the designated process at your university. This may involve using an online platform or portal, such as iStart or CareerBuzz. Provide all the required information, including details about your employment offer and how it relates to your course of study.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

The CPT application process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead. Once your application is approved, you will receive a document approving your CPT start and end dates. Print, sign, and make copies of this document as required.

Step 7: Start CPT Employment

After receiving approval, you can begin your CPT employment on the outlined start date. Remember that CPT is employer-specific, and any modifications to your authorized CPT employment may require support from your academic department. Ensure that you only work during the authorized dates and for the employer listed on your CPT authorization.

It is important to note that the CPT application process may vary slightly between different colleges and universities, so always refer to the specific guidelines provided by your institution. Additionally, maintain your F-1 visa status by following immigration regulations, as CPT authorization is linked to your visa status.

CPT internship credits

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. The purpose of CPT is academic, and the internship/practicum must be considered an integral part of a student's program. To qualify for CPT, a student's program must have an internship elective that contributes to the required credits to complete their degree.

CPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study with a US-based employer. CPT is typically done on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours per week) during the school year and on a full-time basis during vacation periods. Students who were granted CPT but drop below the full course load will need to stop working immediately and notify the relevant office.

To apply for CPT, students must provide the name and email address of their experiential learning coordinator, who can confirm their academic progress, verify that the CPT is tied to their curriculum, and confirm their enrollment in the course connected to CPT. Students must also provide the name, address, and dates of employment for their proposed CPT employer.

At NYU, international students must have maintained F1 Student Status for two consecutive semesters to be eligible for CPT. Students must also have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and can do a maximum of 3 internships, with each consisting of 0.5 credits during their program. At Georgia State University, CPT authorizations may begin after the last day of finals in the prior semester and should end before the start of classes in the next semester, unless it is the student's final semester.

At the University of Southern California, students enrolled in degree programs that require an internship or practicum hours to fulfill degree requirements are exempt from registering for an internship course for CPT purposes. Students in certain master's degree programs do not need to register for an internship course to apply for CPT.

CPT and OPT differences

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of practical training available for international students in the US with F-1 visas. Both CPT and OPT allow international students to engage in meaningful work experiences related to their course of study. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.

Academic Requirements:

CPT is primarily for internships, while OPT allows students to seek employment. To be eligible for CPT, the internship or training opportunity must be required by the student's academic program. CPT employment must be part of the student's major curriculum and allow students to work in a paid or unpaid internship, practicum, or cooperative (co-op) education program. CPT must be authorised by the student's academic department and requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer. On the other hand, OPT is not required to earn a degree, and students can work in their chosen field without needing to earn course credit. OPT does not require specific authorisation from the student's academic department, but students must apply for employment authorisation through USCIS and pay a fee.

Timing:

CPT must be completed before graduation, while OPT can be completed before or after graduation. CPT authorisations should end before the start of classes in the next semester, unless it is the student's final semester. In that case, CPT should end on the last day of finals in that semester. OPT can be used for up to 12 months at each education level, such as the bachelor's and master's levels. STEM majors may also be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Work Hours:

During the school session, students on OPT can work up to 20 hours per week. Outside of the school session, they can work full-time.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for CPT, students must have studied as an F-1 visa student for at least one year and be enrolled at a SEVP-certified college or university. Additionally, CPT requires full-time enrolment for one academic year (fall and spring) prior to authorisation, unless the internship experience is required to complete the program. If a student engages in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.

In summary, the key differences between CPT and OPT lie in the timing, type of work allowed, academic requirements, and eligibility requirements. CPT is for internships or training required by the student's academic program, must be completed before graduation, and does not require additional employment authorisation. OPT allows students to seek employment before or after graduation, is not required for the degree, and requires employment authorisation and a fee. Additionally, full-time CPT affects OPT eligibility, while part-time CPT does not.

Frequently asked questions