Working Full-Time On Cpt: Options For International Students

International students on F-1 visas can gain temporary work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs. CPT allows international students to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. Students can work full-time during the summer and winter breaks, and part-time during the fall and spring semesters. CPT is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration, and students must have a valid job or internship offer related to their field of study. While CPT can provide valuable work experience and help cover education costs, full-time CPT for 12 months or more makes students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT authorization requirements

CPT authorization is a type of employment authorization that allows eligible F-1 students to work off-campus during their studies. CPT can only be authorized if the work is directly related to the student's major area of study and is a required or integral part of their program's curriculum. It is not meant to be used solely for career development or to facilitate employment. CPT is required for both paid and unpaid positions, and working off-campus without authorization is a violation that will result in termination without the option for reinstatement.

To be eligible for CPT authorization, students must have been enrolled full-time and in F-1 student status for at least one academic year in a degree-seeking program. There are exceptions to this requirement for graduate students in programs that require immediate participation in CPT for all students. Students must also have secured a training position and must not be studying English as a second language. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.

The process for authorizing CPT typically involves the following steps:

• Register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship during the semester the student wishes to do CPT.
• Complete the CPT I-20 Request Form and attach an internship offer letter for review by the Academic Advisor/Internship Coordinator.
• The Academic Advisor/Internship Coordinator signs the CPT I-20 Request Form and gives D-Clearance, if applicable, for internship course registration.
• The student receives the electronically signed CPT authorization I-20 within a specified timeframe (typically around four business days).
• The student must review the CPT authorization for accuracy and ensure they have a Social Security Number if the CPT experience is paid.
• The student must sign and date the CPT I-20 and keep it in their personal files.
• Any changes to the training opportunity must be documented and communicated to the relevant office or advisor.

CPT vs OPT

As an international student in the United States, you can gain practical work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Both CPT and OPT allow international students to engage in meaningful work in a variety of fields and industries. However, there are several differences between the two programs.

CPT

CPT is primarily for internships before you graduate. It allows international students to gain practical experience through internships or cooperative education. You can only take part in CPT if the work opportunity is required by your academic program. Your employer will have an agreement with your school and may offer part-time or full-time work. CPT does not have additional fees outside of your student visa requirements and tuition.

OPT

OPT lets you seek employment before or after you complete your degree. OPT requires you to apply for employment authorization through USCIS and pay a fee of US$410. OPT must relate to your major or course of study. You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level. If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT will not disqualify you from OPT.

STEM OPT Extension

If you are on a regular period of OPT and received a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree at the undergraduate level or higher, you may qualify for an additional 24 months of OPT. To be eligible, you must find employment related to your STEM degree from an employer that uses the E-Verify program. You and your employer must also complete and sign Form I-983, "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students".

CPT eligibility

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum, including "alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school".

• The student must be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year) before becoming eligible for CPT.
• The student must be enrolled full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during the fall and winter terms.
• CPT is only available prior to the completion of the degree program and the student must have a job offer at the time of application.
• CPT employment may not delay the completion of the academic program.
• Students must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and winter CPT.
• CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in the student's home country does not need CPT authorization.
• CPT is granted on a 1-semester basis and must be extended manually.
• Students must have declared a major.
• Students who are engaged in thesis/dissertation work and have finished their coursework are still eligible for CPT, only if the CPT is an integral part of their thesis/dissertation or research.
• Students must have secured a training position.
• The DSO must authorize CPT either on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with the school policies.

CPT employment rules

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT is only available before the completion of a degree program, and students must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment must not delay the completion of the academic program.

There are two types of CPT: 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 the student's field of study and is not required. Students must be enrolled in a CPT course, and CPT is processed and authorized term by term.

Full-time CPT is employment for more than 20 hours per week, whereas part-time CPT is considered 20 hours or less per week. Students must maintain full-time enrollment during fall and winter CPT, and full-time enrollment is 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 8 credit hours for graduate students, and 6 credit hours for Graduate Student Instructors and Graduate Student Research Assistants.

Students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year to be eligible for CPT. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training. Students must 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 inside the United States.

Students must report changes in name, address, employer, and loss of employment to their DSO within 10 days of any change. DSOs must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, adhering to school policies. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.

CPT application process

The CPT application process for international students in the United States involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on the CPT application process:

• Eligibility: To be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must be an F-1 student with a valid F1 visa and have been enrolled full-time in a college program for at least one academic year. Additionally, you must ensure that the CPT is an integral part of your established curriculum and directly linked to a specific course.
• Speak to a Student Advisor: Consult a student advisor at your university to understand the CPT programs available, eligibility requirements, and potential employers. They can guide you through the specific requirements and procedures for CPT at your institution.
• Take CPT Courses: Enroll in any college-required CPT courses necessary to become eligible for CPT. This may vary depending on your department and the requirements set by your institution.
• Obtain a Job Offer Letter: Secure a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer. The letter should include details such as the employer's name, address, and the address where the training will take place. Remember that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.
• Complete the CPT Application Form: Fill out the CPT application form provided by your university or institution. This form will require details about your employment, including the employer's name, address, and an explanation of how the employment is curricular. You may also need to include any relevant remarks about the employment.
• Obtain Necessary Signatures: Ensure that your CPT application form is signed by the relevant departmental approver or academic advisor. This approval is necessary before submitting the application to the designated school official (DSO) or the international student services office, such as the Bechtel International Center at Stanford.
• Submit the CPT Application: Submit your completed CPT application to the DSO or the appropriate office. They will review your application and determine your eligibility for CPT authorization. This process can take a few weeks, so it is important to plan ahead and submit your application in a timely manner.
• Receive CPT Approval: 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. Print, sign, and make a copy of this document as required.
• Start the CPT Program: Begin your CPT program with your employer on the outlined start date. Remember to maintain your full-course load status even when CPT is authorized, and ensure that academic progress remains your primary objective.
• Maintain Compliance: Adhere to the terms and conditions of your CPT authorization, including the specified duration of employment. Exceeding the authorized period may breach the terms of your visa and college place. Additionally, report any changes in name, address, employer, or loss of employment to your DSO within the required timeframe.

It is important to note that the CPT application process may vary slightly between different colleges and universities, so it is always advisable to refer to the specific guidelines provided by your institution. Additionally, CPT authorization is granted on a semester-by-semester basis, and you may need to reapply for each semester.

Frequently asked questions