Cpt Registration: Can Students Opt For A Different State?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 student visa holders in the United States. CPT allows international students to gain practical training or work experience in their field of study while completing their degree program. This training can take the form of internships, fellowships, practicums, or other types of employment. To be eligible for CPT, students must meet certain requirements, including being enrolled full-time and having completed at least one academic year. Additionally, CPT must be authorized by the student's Designated School Official (DSO) and is valid for a specific employer and time period. While CPT offers flexibility in terms of location and working hours, there are restrictions and regulations that students should be aware of, such as maintaining their F-1 status and ensuring that the training relates directly to their major.

CPT requirements

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one of two types of practical training available to F-1 students in the United States, the other being Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is available to students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year (with an exception for graduate students whose programs require earlier training). It is not available to those studying English as a second language. CPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study and be an integral part of the school's curriculum.

To be eligible for CPT, students must first secure a training position. The designated school official (DSO) can then authorize CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization will be printed on the student's Form I-20. CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work. The training must occur before the program end date on the Form I-20 and is authorized for one specific employer and a specific period of time. Students can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time, and they can work full-time or part-time.

Students must mail a completed Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay a filing fee. USCIS will send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), upon approval. Students should wait to start work until after receiving their EAD. While school is in session, students are limited to 20 hours of work per week.

One year of full-time CPT makes a student ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.

CPT eligibility

To be eligible for CPT, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled as a full-time F-1 student for at least one full academic year, including the summer semester for those who started in the spring. Transfer students who transferred their I-20/SEVIS record may also qualify if they meet this criterion.
• Maintain valid F-1 status.
• Have an offer for a practical training opportunity directly related to their major and degree level as listed on the I-20.
• Be enrolled in a course that requires CPT or where a practical training opportunity/internship/practicum is mandatory to earn the degree.
• ESL and non-degree students are not eligible for CPT.
• CPT must be authorized by the designated school official (DSO) before the student can begin work.
• CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer.
• Students must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized.
• CPT must occur before the student's program end date on the Form I-20.

It is important to note that CPT eligibility may vary slightly depending on the university and specific program requirements. Students should refer to their university's guidelines and consult with their designated school official (DSO) to confirm their eligibility for CPT.

CPT application process

The CPT application process can vary slightly between different colleges, but there are some general steps that you can follow. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for CPT:

Step 1: Secure an Offer for Practical Training

Firstly, you need to seek a position that directly relates to your degree program. This means finding a role that matches your major and degree level as shown on your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". It is important to note that CPT applications require a thorough review, so be sure to select an employment start date that allows for sufficient processing time.

Step 2: Obtain a Job Offer Letter

Once you have secured an offer, obtain a job offer letter from your employer on official letterhead. This letter should include specific information such as the address where the work will take place. You can check with your university for a list of the required details to be included in the letter.

Step 3: Send the Job Offer Letter to Your Career Advisor

Submit the job offer letter to your career advisor, who will be authorizing your CPT. The career advisor will need to complete a verification process and will require the letter to do so.

Step 4: Complete the CPT Application

Fill out the CPT application form provided by your university. You will need to upload your employment letter and include your career advisor's email in the verification portion of the form. Make sure to submit all requested documentation, such as proof of class registration, and follow any college-specific requirements or guidelines.

Step 5: Collect and Review Your CPT I-20

After submitting your application, you will receive an email notifying you that your Form I-20 with CPT authorization is available. Collect this document and carefully review the details on page 2, including the dates, part-time/full-time status, employer name, and location. Sign and date page 1 of the form in blue ink if all the information is correct.

Step 6: Provide CPT Authorization to Your Employer

Share your Form I-20 with CPT authorization with your employer to complete the new employee paperwork. They will need to see this documentation before you can begin your CPT program. Remember to keep a copy of your Form I-20 for your permanent records.

Additional Considerations:

It is important to note that CPT eligibility requirements may vary between colleges. Before applying, ensure that you meet the necessary criteria, such as having an F1 visa and being enrolled in a full-time college program for at least one academic year. Additionally, remember that you are only permitted to work for the duration stated on your CPT approval documentation, and exceeding this will breach the terms of your visa and college place.

CPT job requirements

To be eligible for CPT, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school, unless you are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT.
• Be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis while physically present in the US for one academic year (i.e. two full terms) with the same SEVIS record ID.
• Be in lawful F-1 status.
• Have U-M approved health insurance.
• Not be enrolled in an intensive English language training program.

Additionally, CPT must meet the following criteria:

• Training must relate directly to the student's major area of study.
• Training must be an integral part of the school's established curriculum.
• The DSO authorized CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization is printed on the student's Form I-20.
• CPT occurs before the student's program end date on the Form I-20.
• CPT is authorized for one specific employer and for a specific period of time.
• The student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized.
• CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work.

It's important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization.

Furthermore, CPT can be either required or optional. Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students to graduate. On the other hand, optional CPT is work experience directly related to the student's field of study but is not required for graduation.

CPT vs OPT

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of practical training available for international F-1 students in the United States. Both CPT and OPT allow international students to gain practical work experience in their chosen field and in a variety of industries. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.

Firstly, CPT is primarily for internships and must be completed before graduation, whereas OPT allows students to seek employment before or after completing their degree. CPT is also integral to a student's major and is usually a required part of their program of study. On the other hand, OPT is not required to earn a degree, although it must still relate to the student's major or course of study.

Secondly, CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or letter from the employer, and the employer must have an agreement with the student's school. OPT, on the other hand, is not employer-specific and does not require a signed agreement.

Thirdly, CPT does not have additional fees outside of student visa requirements and tuition, while OPT requires a fee of US$410 to submit an application.

Finally, CPT can be done part-time or full-time, but full-time CPT for 12 months or more will result in ineligibility for OPT. OPT can also be done part-time or full-time, with a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session, and there is no loss of OPT eligibility with part-time CPT.

In terms of doing CPT in a different state than one's university, there may be some restrictions. According to one source, a university stated that CPT employment must be within a 50-mile radius of the university. However, this may be a rule enforced by that particular university, and other universities may have different policies. It is important to check with your university's international student services office or designated school official (DSO) for specific requirements and restrictions.

Frequently asked questions