Savanna Hoffman
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment that is an integral part of a student's curriculum. CPT is available only before completing 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, and students must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and winter CPT. While CPT is typically offered by universities in the same state as the student's campus, some students may be wondering if they can pursue CPT opportunities in a different state. This raises questions about the flexibility of CPT programs and the feasibility of working in another state while completing academic requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CPT definition | Employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school |
| CPT eligibility | Students must have completed two full-time semesters, have a job offer at the time of application, and maintain full-time enrollment during fall and winter CPT |
| CPT authorization | CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships, and serves to demonstrate that the practical experience is part of the curriculum |
| CPT employment | Students can only work for the employer listed on their CPT I-20. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program |
| CPT timing | CPT can only be undertaken prior to the completion of a degree program. CPT employment during the final term of study must be on campus to comply with F-1 requirements |
| CPT work hours | CPT employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered part-time, while more than 20 hours per week is considered full-time |
| CPT impact on OPT | 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| CPT location | Some universities may require CPT employment to be within 50 miles of the university, but this may vary |
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What You'll Learn
CPT authorization requirements
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 authorization requires several steps and documents, and it's important to note that CPT cannot be authorized retroactively. Here are the CPT authorization requirements:
- Valid F-1 Immigration Status: Students must be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (one academic year) before becoming eligible for CPT. There are rare exceptions to this requirement, such as for graduate students with internships as a degree requirement or students who changed from another US visa status to F-1 status and were continually enrolled full-time.
- Enrollment and Coursework: Students must be registered for classes at their university. CPT cannot be used when a graduate student is on Filing Fee status. Enrollment in internship coursework may be required, and the supervisor for the internship cannot be an F-1 or J-1 student. Additionally, during the fall and winter terms, students must be enrolled full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load (RCL).
- Degree Requirement: CPT is often authorized when an internship, practicum, or capstone work experience is a requirement of the degree program. Degree requirement CPT can only be used once to fulfill this requirement and should occur during the program's normal internship period.
- Employment Details: CPT can be authorized for full-time or part-time employment, depending on the academic department's requirements. Students must specify the start and end dates of CPT employment, and it can only be authorized one term at a time. The employment must be directly related to the student's current degree.
- Documentation and Application: Students must take the CPT Certification Course and save their CPT Certificate as a PDF. They should also obtain a Detailed Training Description from their employer, outlining the specifics of the employment. Meeting with an academic or faculty advisor to discuss CPT plans is recommended. The advisor may complete an Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form and help enroll the student in a Registrar Designated CPT course if applicable. All required documents should be gathered and submitted with the CPT application.
- Timing and Processing: CPT authorization typically takes 1-2 weeks to process, and applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the internship/employment start date to ensure timely authorization. CPT authorization cannot be backdated, and students cannot legally work before CPT is authorized in SEVIS.
- Address and Travel Restrictions: Students are required to update their address within a specified timeframe while in F-1 status. Additionally, some universities may have travel restrictions for CPT employment, such as requiring the job to be within a certain distance of the university.
It is important to note that CPT authorization requirements may vary slightly depending on the university and specific program. Students should refer to their university's guidelines and consult with their international office or academic advisor for detailed information regarding CPT authorization.
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CPT and OPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two programs that allow international students to gain practical work experience in their chosen field of study. CPT is primarily for internships before students graduate, while OPT allows students to seek employment before or after they complete their degree.
To be eligible for CPT, you must have studied as an F-1 visa student for at least a year and be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college or university. CPT employment must be part of your major curriculum, and it can be paid or unpaid. CPT must be authorized by your Designated School Official (DSO) and can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. CPT must be completed before graduation, and students are only allowed to work for the employer listed on their CPT I-20.
OPT, on the other hand, is not employer-specific and allows students to work in their chosen field. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, and students can work full-time or part-time. Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, and OPT must relate to their major or course of study. Students must apply for work authorization by filing a Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying a filing fee.
It is important to note that if a student completes 12 months of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT at that level of study. However, working part-time on CPT will not disqualify a student from OPT.
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CPT course registration
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of training that allows students to gain practical experience in their major field of study. CPT is only available to students enrolled in an F-1 visa program in the United States, and the experience must be a part of their program of study. CPT can include paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, on-campus or off-campus internships, externships, clinical rotations, and more.
To register for CPT, students must first ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, and their program of study must require CPT. Additionally, CPT is only available before the completion of the student's program.
Once a student has confirmed their eligibility, they must register for the appropriate credits prior to applying for CPT authorization. The credits taken for CPT must count towards the student's degree requirements. After registering for the appropriate credits, students can begin the CPT authorization process.
The CPT authorization process involves the student and the Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO is responsible for authorizing CPT for eligible students and providing them with the necessary forms. The student must work with their DSO to ensure that all the required fields are completed, including the start and end dates of the CPT training, whether it is full-time or part-time, the employer's name and address, and any relevant comments.
It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. Additionally, CPT authorization must be obtained before beginning any CPT activities, as failing to do so may result in serious consequences for the student's status.
While on CPT, students must maintain a full course of study, even when CPT is authorized. Furthermore, some universities may enforce additional rules, such as restricting CPT employment to within a certain distance of the university.
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CPT and international students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an alternative work/study, internship, co-op, or other type of required practical training that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with a college or university. CPT must be integral to the student's program of study. CPT can be full-time and is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit.
To qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. An exception to this rule is if you are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT.
CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization.
Students cannot legally work before CPT is authorized in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). CPT start dates must be on or after the date that CPT is authorized in SEVIS. The SEVIS system is maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
To apply for CPT, you must:
- Contact your student advisor at your university to find out which CPT programs are available at your institution, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers.
- Acquire an employment offer letter from your employer with all required details (e.g. workplace address).
- Apply to the CPT program through your college or university.
- Your CPT authorization may take time, so make sure to plan as early as possible and prepare the requested documents (e.g. proof of university registration/enrollment).
- After your CPT application is approved, you will receive a document with CPT start and end dates.
It is important to note that CPT must be completed before graduating from your program. Additionally, if you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training), but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.
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CPT and internships
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a type of employment that is an integral part of a degree curriculum. CPT is available only before the completion of a degree program and requires students to have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment must not delay the completion of the academic program, and students must maintain full-time enrolment during the fall and winter CPT. Full-time CPT is considered employment for more than 20 hours per week, while part-time CPT is considered employment for 20 hours or less per week. Students must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus to maintain lawful F-1 status during the fall and winter terms.
There are some variations and restrictions on CPT that depend on the university and its location. For example, one university stated that for a student to work full-time on CPT, the job must be within 50 miles of the university. However, another university allowed a student to work full-time in California while studying one subject online, indicating that CPT can be done in a different state than the university. It is important to note that CPT does not allow students to work for any employer; they are only allowed to work for the employer listed on their CPT authorization. Additionally, 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
To apply for CPT, students should follow these steps:
- Speak to a student advisor at their university to learn about the CPT programs available, eligibility requirements, and potential employers.
- Take any college-required CPT courses necessary to become eligible.
- Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from the employer.
- Apply for the college-specific CPT program through the university.
It is important to note that the CPT application process may vary slightly between colleges, so students should always check the specific requirements at their institution. CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships, as it demonstrates that the practical experience is part of the curriculum and helps maintain the student's status.
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Frequently asked questions
CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT is available only before completing your degree and you must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay the completion of the academic program. While there is no rule that prevents students from doing CPT in a different state, students must maintain a physical presence on campus during the fall and winter terms.
Students must be enrolled in a CPT course. CPT courses are set up and approved by the U-M Office of the Registrar. CPT is available only before completing your degree and you must have a job offer at the time of application.
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.
The process might vary from one college to another, but most have the same basic expectations. Speak to a student advisor at your university to learn more about the CPT programs, eligibility requirements, and potential employers. Take any college-required CPT courses necessary to become eligible. Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer. Apply for the college-specific CPT program through your university.
CPT is available only before completing your degree, whereas OPT must relate to your major or course of study. 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make you ineligible for OPT.
