Lana Oconnell
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work authorization program for international students on F-1 visas in the United States. CPT allows international students to gain work experience by working off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. CPT is available in two types: required and optional. Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students in order to graduate, while optional CPT is work experience related to the student's field of study but not required. CPT must be completed before graduation and is tied to a specific employer and job duration. Students must maintain full-time enrollment during CPT and ensure that the training is an integral part of their curriculum. The process for applying for CPT involves contacting the university's student advisor, acquiring an employment offer letter, and applying to the CPT program through the college or university.
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CPT eligibility
To be eligible for CPT, you must be an F-1 student enrolled at an SEVP-certified college, university, or other approved institutions in the US. You must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training. Additionally, you must not be studying English as a second language.
CPT is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, internships in your home country do not need CPT authorization. CPT must be integral to your program of study, and you must maintain a full course load even when CPT is authorized.
To apply for CPT, you should first contact your student advisor to learn about the CPT programs available, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers. You will then need to obtain an employment offer letter from your prospective employer, which should include details such as the workplace address. Your DSO will then be able to provide a recommendation for this training opportunity and update your SEVIS and I-20 form.
It is important to note that if you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT will not affect your OPT eligibility.
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CPT application process
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to take part in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. CPT is granted on a semester-by-semester basis, and students must be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT.
The CPT application process may vary slightly between colleges, but here is a general overview:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for CPT, you must:
- Have an F1 visa and be enrolled in a full-time college program for at least one academic year.
- Not be studying English as a second language.
- Have secured a training position or internship offer that is directly linked to your specific course.
- Ensure that the training or internship is an integral part of your established curriculum and will count towards your degree requirements.
Documentation:
- Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer, including the address where the training will take place.
- Complete any college-required CPT courses necessary to become eligible.
- Check with your university for specific documentation requirements, such as proof of class registration, and gather all requested documents.
Application Submission:
- Submit your CPT application to your university's international office or designated official, at least two weeks before your internship/employment start date.
- The application should include the CPT Employment Verification Letter Template completed by your employer, as well as the CPT Request e-form.
- Your academic advisor or internship coordinator will review your application and provide any necessary signatures or recommendations.
Authorization:
- You will receive a document approving your application and outlining your CPT start and end dates.
- Print, sign, and make a copy of this document, and provide it to your employer.
- Start the CPT program with your employer on the outlined start date, ensuring you maintain your full-time student status.
It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. Additionally, individual colleges may have specific CPT programs and requirements, so it is essential to consult with your university's student services or international office for detailed guidance on the CPT application process.
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CPT types
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a type of work/study, internship, co-op, or other form of required practical training that is integral to an international student's program of study. CPT is available to F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. Graduate students whose programs require earlier training are exempt from this rule.
There are two types of CPT:
- Full-time CPT: This type of CPT is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. However, if an F-1 student completes 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Part-time CPT: This type of CPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the school session. Completing part-time CPT will not affect a student's eligibility for OPT.
To apply for CPT, international students should follow these general steps:
- Contact the student advisor at their university to learn about available CPT programs, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers.
- Obtain an employment offer letter from a prospective employer that includes all required details, such as the workplace address.
- Apply to the CPT program through the college or university.
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CPT duration
The duration of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can vary depending on the student's program and eligibility. CPT is typically authorized for one semester at a time and can be full-time or part-time. To qualify for CPT, students must be enrolled full-time in an academic program for at least one full academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
Students must maintain a full course load even when CPT is authorized. CPT must be completed before graduating from the program and is meant to be an integral part of the curriculum. CPT can be extended beyond the initial semester if necessary, but students must continue to make satisfactory progress toward completing their degree.
Full-time CPT is typically authorized for up to 365 days, after which students become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same degree level. OPT is a separate type of practical training that can be completed before or after graduation. Students with 12 months or more of full-time CPT become ineligible for OPT, while part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.
The specific duration of CPT may vary depending on the student's major, course of study, and the requirements of their degree program. It is important for international students to understand their eligibility for CPT and OPT and to work closely with their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
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CPT and OPT differences
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of practical training available to F-1 students. CPT is an internship, cooperative agreement, or other type of required practical training offered by a sponsoring employer through an agreement with a college or university. On the other hand, OPT allows students to seek employment related to their major or course of study before or after they complete their degree.
CPT Requirements
To be eligible for CPT, a student must be an F-1 visa holder and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. CPT must be completed before graduation and must be integral to the student's program of study. CPT can be full-time or part-time, but if a student completes 12 months of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT. CPT does not require students to apply for employment authorization or pay additional fees outside of their student visa requirements and tuition.
OPT Requirements
OPT, on the other hand, requires students to apply for employment authorization through USCIS and pay a fee of US$410. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, and students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. All F1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT at each education level. STEM majors may also be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension.
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Frequently asked questions
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work authorization for international students on F-1 visas. It allows international students to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study.
To qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. You must also not be studying English as a second language.
The steps to apply for CPT vary depending on your college or university. Generally, you must contact your student advisor to find out which CPT programs are available, acquire an employment offer letter, and apply to the CPT program through your college or university.
CPT is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration, while Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be used to find any job as long as it's related to your field of study. CPT must be completed before you graduate from your program, whereas OPT can be completed before or after graduation.
