Douglas Olsen
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 practical experience in their field of study by working off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. The work experience must be related to the student's academic program and can be in the form of internships, co-ops, or other types of required practical training. CPT is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration and must be completed before graduation. To qualify for CPT, students must meet certain requirements, including completing at least one full academic year of school and having a valid job or internship offer related to their field of study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1 |
| Student status | Enrolled full-time for at least one academic year |
| Student program | Requires practical training |
| Student employment | Has secured a training position |
| CPT authorization | Required for training inside the US |
| CPT duration | Determined with the employer and academic program |
| CPT employment type | Full-time or part-time |
| CPT employment limit | 12 months of full-time CPT makes students ineligible for OPT |
| CPT start date | On or after CPT is authorized |
| CPT end date | Before the end of the student's academic program |
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What You'll Learn
CPT eligibility requirements
To be eligible for CPT, international students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must possess an F1 visa and have been enrolled full-time in a college program for at least one academic year. CPT is exclusively for F1 visa holders, and students must maintain their full-time status even when CPT is authorized.
Secondly, CPT employment must be directly linked to a specific course and integral to the student's academic program. The work experience must be related to the student's field of study and cannot extend beyond the last day of exams for the semester in which it is authorized.
Thirdly, prior approval is required for CPT. Students must obtain a job or internship offer and ensure that the employment start and end dates fall within the authorized CPT period. The CPT authorization process typically involves submitting an application with the relevant documentation, including proof of class registration and the job offer letter, to the designated office at their university.
Additionally, CPT is tied to a specific employer, job, and duration. Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) with department approval. However, full-time CPT may impact the student's eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation if it exceeds 12 months.
It is important to note that CPT regulations and requirements may vary among colleges and universities. Students should consult with their academic advisors and refer to their specific institution's policies to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria for CPT.
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How to apply for CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of academically related work-based training authorization for F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. CPT is only required when the training is inside the United States. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for CPT:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
First, confirm that you are eligible for CPT. CPT is only available to students with F-1 immigration status who have been enrolled full-time for at least two semesters (one academic year). There are some rare exceptions to this rule, such as for graduate students who are required to complete an internship before the end of their first academic year.
Step 2: Consult with your academic advisor
Next, meet with your academic or faculty advisor to discuss your CPT plans in detail. Show them a detailed training description, and if they believe the training is integral to your curriculum, they may recommend you for CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. Your advisor can also help you enroll in a Registrar-designated CPT course, if applicable.
Step 3: Secure an internship offer
You must have a job or internship offer at the time of your application. The position must be directly related to your current degree and appropriate to your level of study. Unskilled positions, such as retail sales or food service, will not be approved for CPT.
Step 4: Gather required documents
Obtain an employment offer letter from your employer with all the required details, such as the workplace address. You will also need to provide proof of university registration/enrollment.
Step 5: Submit your application
Apply for the CPT program through your college or university. The application process may vary depending on your institution, so be sure to consult with your academic advisor or student services for specific instructions. At the University of Michigan, for example, students log in to the M-Passport portal, click on "Requests > CPT Authorization," and follow the instructions from there.
Step 6: Wait for approval
The CPT authorization process may take some time, so plan as early as possible. Processing times vary by institution, but typically range from one to two weeks. After your CPT application is approved, you will receive a document with CPT start and end dates.
Step 7: Maintain your records
Students are expected to keep all Forms I-20 issued during their academic career. When information on the Form I-20 changes, it is best to provide a new copy to the student.
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CPT vs OPT
As an international student in the United States, you have the option of gaining 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.
CPT is primarily for internships before you graduate. It allows international students to gain practical experience through internships or cooperative education. CPT can be paid or unpaid and must be completed before graduation. CPT must be required by your major, and your employer will have an agreement with your school. CPT does not require additional fees outside of your student visa requirements and tuition. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. CPT must be authorized by your DSO, either on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies.
OPT, on the other hand, lets you seek employment before or after you complete your degree. OPT is not employer-specific and allows work, not an internship or cooperative education. OPT must relate to your major or course of study and can be completed for 12 months at each education level. OPT requires you to apply for employment authorization through USCIS and pay a fee of US$410. OPT applications can take 90 days or longer to process, so it is important to apply as early as possible.
It is important to note that if you choose to work full-time for 12 months on CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT at that level of study. Additionally, to be eligible for OPT, you must have been a full-time student for a minimum of one year.
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CPT employment rules
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program. CPT is an academic experience integral to a student's degree program and is not intended for regular ongoing off-campus work. CPT employment may not delay the completion of the academic program.
To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training. Students must also be in valid F-1 immigration status and not studying English as a second language. CPT is only authorized when the training is inside the United States.
Students must have secured an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to their current degree and level of study. The internship must be considered an integral part of the established curriculum and cannot be used for self-employment. CPT can be authorized for full-time or part-time employment, depending on the academic department's requirements.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment during the CPT semester, except during their final semester. Students who drop below the full course load during CPT will need to stop working immediately and notify the relevant office. CPT authorization must be received before beginning employment and cannot be backdated. Students must also have their CPT I-20 in hand on their first day of employment.
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CPT authorization
Eligibility for CPT Authorization:
Before granting CPT authorization, Designated School Officials (DSOs) must ensure that students meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- Being lawfully enrolled as an F-1 student in an SEVP-certified educational institution on a full-time basis for at least one academic year.
- Not studying English as a second language.
- Having secured a training position, which can be a paid job or an unpaid internship.
- The CPT training must take place in the United States.
Once a student meets the eligibility requirements, here is the process for CPT authorization:
- Employment Details: The student must provide details about their employment, including the start and end dates, whether it is full-time or part-time, the name of the employer, and the address of the training location.
- DSO Authorization: The DSO will review the student's eligibility and authorize CPT on either a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with the school's policies.
- Form I-20: Upon approval, the DSO will provide the student with a Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form indicates that the DSO has approved the student for CPT employment.
- Employment Authorization: For work authorization, 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.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): USCIS will send the student a Form I-766 (EAD) upon approving their application. Students must wait to start work until they receive their EAD.
It is important to note that if a student engages in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility. OPT must be related to the student's major or course of study, and they can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level.
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Frequently asked questions
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, a type of work-based training authorization for international students on F-1 visas to gain practical experience in their field of study.
To qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed at least one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school. You must also have a valid job or internship offer that is related to your field of study and satisfies an integral component of your academic program.
To apply for CPT, contact your student advisor to find out which CPT programs are available and the eligibility requirements. Once you have an employment offer letter, apply to the CPT program through your college or university.
