Ibrahim Gardner
International students are an increasingly large part of the student population in the US, with over 1 million international students in the country in the last decade. However, there is a disconnect between the value companies know they bring and how they view them as a way to fill talent needs. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization offered by the USCIS to international students. CPT allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. Students can choose to work full or part-time during their internships, depending on the institution's CPT policy. CPT is authorized by the sponsoring school and requires no action from the hiring organization, although they usually need to issue a letter to confirm the internship offer.
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What You'll Learn
CPT authorization requirements
To be eligible for CPT authorization, students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, with exceptions for graduate students whose programs require earlier training. Secondly, CPT is only authorized for students who are not studying English as a second language. Additionally, students must have secured a training position, and CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place in the United States.
The CPT authorization process typically takes 1-2 weeks and requires specific documentation. Students must take the CPT Certification Course and obtain a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Certificate. They should also obtain a Detailed Training Description from their employer, outlining the specifics of the training. This description should be reviewed by an Academic or Faculty Advisor, who may recommend the student for CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. The student can then gather the required documents and submit their CPT application through the designated platform or portal.
It is important to note that CPT authorization must be obtained before beginning employment and cannot be backdated. The start and end dates of CPT employment must be specified, and CPT can only be authorized one term at a time. Students must also maintain a full course load even when CPT is authorized. Additionally, CPT authorization may be granted on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the academic department's requirements and school policies.
The Designated School Official (DSO) plays a crucial role in the CPT authorization process. DSOs are responsible for authorizing CPT in accordance with school policies and federal regulations. They can edit CPT authorizations to defer, update, or shorten the authorization period. However, DSOs cannot backdate CPT authorizations or make changes after the CPT start date, except to shorten the CPT end date.
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CPT eligibility
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a type of employment authorization offered to international students in the US. CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum, including alternate work/study, internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school.
To be eligible for CPT, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in an F-1 program at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary.
- Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year (two full terms). There are exceptions for graduate students whose programs require earlier training.
- Not be studying English as a second language.
- Have secured a training position, either paid or unpaid. CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships.
- CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.
It is important to note that CPT must be authorized by the student's institution, and the processing time for authorization may vary. Students may only begin employment after receiving CPT work authorization. Additionally, students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized, and CPT employment must not delay the completion of the academic program.
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OPT vs CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of employment authorization offered by the USCIS to international students. Both programs allow international students to gain practical work experience in their chosen fields. However, there are some key differences between the two programs in terms of eligibility, timing, and type of work allowed.
Firstly, in terms of eligibility, CPT requires that the student has been enrolled as an F-1 visa student for at least one year and is attending a SEVP-certified college or university. Additionally, the training or internship opportunity must be directly related to the student's major area of study and is required for graduation. On the other hand, OPT is available to all F-1 students, regardless of their length of study or the specific requirements of their academic program. OPT only requires that the employment relates to the student's major or course of study.
Secondly, in terms of timing, CPT must be completed before graduation, whereas OPT can be completed either before or after graduation. CPT is typically used for internships or cooperative education programs, while OPT allows students to seek employment in their chosen field.
Thirdly, the type of work allowed under CPT and OPT differs. CPT employment must be part of the student's major curriculum and can include paid or unpaid internships, practicums, or cooperative education programs. CPT must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) and can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis. Students who work full-time on CPT for one year or more become ineligible for OPT. OPT, on the other hand, is not employer-specific and does not include internships or cooperative education programs. OPT requires an application for employment authorization through USCIS and incurs a fee. Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level and may qualify for an additional 24 months of OPT if they have received a STEM degree.
In conclusion, while both CPT and OPT provide valuable opportunities for international students to gain practical work experience, the choice between the two depends on the student's specific circumstances, including their visa status, academic program requirements, and career goals.
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CPT application process
The CPT application process can vary slightly from one college to another, but there are some general steps that most international students should follow. Here is a detailed guide on the CPT application process:
Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Requirements
Before initiating the CPT application process, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria. As per federal regulations, Designated School Officials (DSOs) can authorize CPT for F-1 visa students enrolled full-time at an SEVP-certified institution. The student must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study and should not be enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Additionally, you must have secured a training position related to your degree program.
Step 2: Seek a Suitable Position
Start by seeking a position that directly relates to your major and degree level. CPT is intended for curricular-related employment, such as internships, cooperative education, work-study, or practicum programs. Remember that CPT is only required for training inside the United States, so if your internship is in your home country, you may not need CPT authorization.
Step 3: Obtain Necessary Documentation
Before submitting your CPT application, ensure you have the required documentation. This includes a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer, which should include details such as the address of the employment location. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of class registration and other college-specific requirements.
Step 4: Complete the CPT Application
The CPT application process typically involves filling out an application form, either online or on paper. You will need to provide details about your employment, including the employer's name, address, and an explanation of how the training relates to your curriculum. Course enrollment in a CPT course is generally required, and you should consult with academic advisors for guidance on CPT course enrollment options.
Step 5: Submit the Application and Await Approval
Submit your completed CPT application to the relevant department or office within your institution. The processing time for CPT authorization can vary, so it is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for review and approval. Remember that incomplete applications may be rejected, so ensure your application is thorough and accurate.
Step 6: Receive Approval and Start CPT
Once your CPT application is approved, you will receive a document or notification outlining your CPT start and end dates. Review this document carefully, and if all the information is correct, sign and make a copy of it. Provide relevant documentation to your employer, complete any necessary new employee paperwork, and commence your CPT program on the outlined start date.
It is important to remember that CPT regulations and policies can vary between institutions, so always consult with your university's student advisors and DSOs for specific guidance on the CPT application process at your school.
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Companies that offer CPT
The USCIS offers two types of employment authorization to international students: Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a type of employment authorization for international students on F-1 visas, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. CPT is authorized by the student's educational institution and is typically offered for cooperative education, work-study, practicum, and internship programs.
While some companies are hesitant to hire international students on CPT due to concerns about visa status and compliance policies, there are many employers who are open to hiring CPT students. Tech companies, startups, and industries with a high demand for international talent, such as finance, data analytics, and consulting, are often more receptive to CPT employees. Additionally, companies that have previously hired CPT employees are usually more accepting.
- Adobe
- Amazon
- Barclays
- BOA
- Citi
- CVS
- DoorDash
- Goldman Sachs
- IBM
- JPMorgan Chase
- Moody's
- PayPal
- Tesla
- UBS
- Walmart Labs
- WeWork
It is important to note that the CPT authorization process and requirements may vary among educational institutions. Students should consult their designated school officials and seek professional legal advice before making any employment decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study.
CPT authorization is required when the training is inside the United States. Students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year (with some exceptions), not be studying English as a second language, and have secured a training position.
Some companies that offer CPT for international students include Adobe, Amazon, Barclays, Citi, CVS, DoorDash, Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Moody's, PayPal, Tesla, UBS, and Walmart Labs.
