Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Requirements for International Students in the U.S.

For international students pursuing academic endeavors in the United States on an F-1 visa, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study. CPT is a work authorization that allows students to participate in internships, co-ops, or other forms of practical training that are an integral part of their academic program. This article delves into the specifics of CPT, outlining eligibility requirements, application procedures, and key considerations for international students.

Understanding Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work authorization specifically designed for international students holding F-1 visas. It enables these students to engage in off-campus work experiences that are directly related to their academic program, offering a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. CPT is exclusively for F-1 student visa holders.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to maintain information regarding SEVP-certified schools. CPT is defined as an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. It must be an integral part of your program of study.

Eligibility Criteria for CPT

To qualify for CPT, international students must meet specific requirements:

F-1 Visa Status: CPT is exclusively available to students holding a valid F-1 visa.
Academic Year Completion: Students must have completed at least one full academic year (two semesters or three quarters) of full-time study at an SEVP-certified school. Time spent in an Academic English program (ESL classes) cannot count towards the one-year enrollment requirement. There are exceptions to the one-academic year requirement for graduate students in programs that require immediate participation in curricular practical training for all students. Meet with an international student advisor for more information.
Major Declaration: Students must have declared a major.
Good Academic Standing: You meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements: Undergraduates: 2.0, Graduates: 3.0, Law: 2.0
Qualifying Job or Internship: Students must have a valid job or internship offer. The job must be related to the student’s field of study and satisfy an integral component of the student’s academic program.
Curricular Connection: The training must relate directly to the student’s major area of study and be an integral part of the school’s established curriculum.
CPT Course Enrollment: CPT is a type of work authorization for F-1 students, but the primary purpose of CPT is educational. You must receive credit for the work performed on CPT. Since CPT is curricular, students are required to enroll in a minimum of one CPT credit per authorized quarter. In general, you must enroll in your CPT credits during the quarter you are participating in CPT. The only exception to this is summer quarter. If you are doing CPT during summer, you may defer credit to the autumn quarter (with approval of your academic department).

Types of CPT and Hour Restrictions

CPT can be authorized as either part-time or full-time:

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Part-Time CPT: Allows students to work up to 20 hours per week. Part-time CPT employment (up to 20 hours a week) has no effect on eligibility for OPT.
Full-Time CPT: Permits students to work up to 40 hours per week. Students who engage in full-time CPT must still be full-time students during the academic year.

The duration of your CPT internship will be determined with your employer and academic program. There is no limit to CPT, and it is possible to have multiple part-time CPT jobs at once.

CPT vs. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

It’s crucial to differentiate CPT from Optional Practical Training (OPT), another work authorization option for F-1 students:

Timing: CPT must be completed before you graduate from your program. While OPT can be used before or after graduation, CPT can only be used before graduation. You cannot delay graduation to use CPT so make sure to plan ahead at the beginning of your academic program.
Job Specificity: CPT is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration, but Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be used to find any job as long as it’s related to your field of study.
Work authorization: Your DSO authorizes your CPTI-20 form (provided by your DSO) CPT occurs during your study program. After your DSO’s recommendation, USCIS.gov will authorize your OPTEmployment Authorization Document (EAD) (sent by USCIS) OPT occurs before or after your program end date.
Credit requirement: Yes, and it is part of your course curriculum. No, you can work for any employer related to your major.

The Impact of CPT on OPT Eligibility

A significant consideration is the potential impact of full-time CPT on OPT eligibility. If you are authorized for 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will no longer be eligible for OPT. Part-time CPT employment (up to 20 hours a week) has no effect on eligibility for OPT. Using CPT to gain work experience during your degree program allows you to save OPT for after graduation and extend the amount of time you can remain in the US on your F-1 visa.

Application Process for CPT Authorization

The CPT application process typically involves the following steps:

Consult with Academic Advisor: It’s important that you that you consult your academic adviser/department about CPT. Check with an advisor for your academic program to see if CPT is available.
Secure a Qualifying Job Offer: Acquire a qualifying job or internship. A written job offer must accompany your request for CPT.
Enroll in CPT Credits: Most students will need to register for CPT credit to be authorized. In general, you must enroll in your CPT credits during the quarter you are participating in CPT. The only exception to this is summer quarter. If you are doing CPT during summer, you may defer credit to the autumn quarter (with approval of your academic department).
Submit Application to ISSS Office: Submit your application to your university’s ISSS office with your official job offer letter. The application must include the internship’s start and end dates, the organization’s name and physical address, and the student’s job title and description.
Receive and Sign Form I-20: Once your CPT is approved, print and sign your Form I-20. Keep a copy for your records. The DSO authorized CPT in SEVIS and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20.
CPT Authorization: CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work. CPT is considered part of your curriculum and is therefore authorized based on academic semester. Any work that begins prior to your authorized CPT start date or after the CPT end date is considered unauthorized employment and could jeopardize your legal status.

The processing and approval time for CPT usually takes between 5-10 business days and requires very little work from the employer. All they have to do is provide an official offer letter that includes the job/internship’s start and end dates, the hiring organization’s name and physical address, and the student’s job title and description. You can only begin working once your CPT is approved.

CPT Offer Letter Requirements

A written job offer must accompany your request for CPT. The application must include the internship’s start and end dates, the organization’s name and physical address, and the student’s job title and description.

Extending CPT Authorization

If you need to extend your CPT authorization, you will need to submit a CPT update request through MyISSS. You must submit a new CPT request for the extended date.

Maintaining F-1 Status During CPT

While participating in CPT, it’s crucial to maintain your F-1 status by:

Making normal progress towards your degree
Maintaining full-time enrollment
Working only during your authorized CPT dates
Working only for your authorized employer

While on CPT you may not:

Delay completion of your degree to participate in CPT
Begin working before your CPT has been approved
Work beyond your authorized CPT dates
Work for an employer or at a location not authorized on your I-20

Social Security and Taxes during CPT

If your CPT experience is paid and you don’t already have a Social Security Number, you can apply for one after your CPT is approved (up to 30 days before your internship start date). For more information about how to apply review Social Security Number. Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes. You must file a tax return on or before April 15 each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded.

Volunteering vs. Employment

It's important to understand the difference between a volunteer and an employee. Some think the only difference is that an employee gets paid and a volunteer does not, but that is not true. Individuals may volunteer time to religious, charitable, civic, humanitarian, or similar non-profit organizations as a public service and not be covered by the FLSA. Individuals generally may not, however, volunteer in commercial activities run by a non-profit organization such as a gift shop. A volunteer generally will not be considered an employee for FLSA purposes if the individual volunteers freely for public service, religious or humanitarian objectives, and without contemplation or receipt of compensation. F-1 and J-1 students are permitted to perform volunteer work that meets the DOL criteria without any prior authorization. ISSS highly recommends that all F-1 students request CPT authorization for all internships (paid or unpaid) that meet the CPT eligibility requirements. If you choose not to obtain CPT authorization, we highly recommend that you obtain confirmation in writing from your internship supervisor that the position meets the DOL requirements for unpaid internships and that you will not receive any compensation in any form during your internship. labor laws to constitute employment, then you would have worked without employment authorization.

Additional Considerations

CPT Credit Enrollment: Since CPT is curricular, students are required to enroll in a minimum of one CPT credit per authorized quarter.
ASB Programs: No. Since the purpose of most ASB programs is service learning, they are not considered curricular training and generally do not require CPT.
On-Campus Employment: CPT and on-campus employment are separate types of work authorization. You may be employed on campus and off campus through CPT at the same time.
Changes to CPT Employment: If there are any changes to your CPT employment, you must contact ISSS prior to the change. You will be required to submit updated documentation.

Resources for International Students

International students can access various resources for guidance and support regarding CPT:

International Student Services (ISS) Office: Your university’s ISS office is a primary resource for information and assistance with CPT applications.
Academic Advisors: Academic advisors can provide insights into how CPT aligns with your academic program. It’s important that you that you consult your academic adviser/department about CPT.
Career Services: Career services can help you find qualifying internships and prepare your application materials.
DHS and USCIS Websites: To stay updated on all federal regulations pertaining to CPT and OPT, you can visit DHS.gov or USCIS.gov, or check in with your DSO.

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