Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides temporary employment authorization for F-1 students to gain work experience in the United States. This authorization allows students to accept off-campus training related to their field of study while pursuing their degree. The practical experience must be an integral component of the student’s established curriculum. Students must understand the regulations and application steps to leverage this opportunity without jeopardizing their F-1 immigration status.
Defining Curricular Practical Training
CPT is a specific type of off-campus work authorization defined by federal regulations as an integral part of an established curriculum. This authorization includes alternative work/study programs, internships, cooperative education, or any other practicum required by the school’s program of study. The training must be directly related to the student’s major area of study, as outlined in federal regulation 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i). The student’s Designated School Official (DSO) authorizes CPT and records it in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), CPT does not require approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); authorization is granted directly by the DSO and noted on the student’s Form I-20.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for CPT, F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year of full-time enrollment in the United States, maintaining lawful F-1 status throughout this period. An exception exists for graduate programs that formally require immediate practical training for all students in the degree program. The training opportunity must be directly related to the student’s major and be part of the established curriculum. This often requires the student to be simultaneously enrolled in a course, such as an internship or practicum, that grants academic credit for the work experience. Students must remain currently enrolled in their degree program throughout the CPT period.
Navigating the CPT Application Process
The CPT authorization process begins when the student obtains a formal job or internship offer. The offer letter must specify the job title, duties, employer name and address, and the precise start and end dates of employment. The student must then secure approval from their academic department, demonstrating how the training aligns with the curriculum and enrolling in the required academic course. After academic approval, the student submits a formal CPT request to the Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO reviews the request, authorizes the CPT in SEVIS, and issues a new Form I-20 detailing the employer, status, and authorized dates; students cannot legally begin working until they receive this updated Form I-20.
CPT Limitations and Usage Rules
CPT authorization is issued for a specific employer, location, and period of time; students cannot work for any other employer or outside the authorized dates. If a student wishes to change jobs or extend employment, they must submit a new CPT application and receive an updated Form I-20 prior to the change. Regulations distinguish between two types of CPT based on weekly hours. Part-Time CPT is defined as 20 hours or less per week, typically utilized during the academic semester while the student maintains a full course load. Full-Time CPT is defined as employment exceeding 20 hours per week and is permissible during official school breaks or if the degree program formally requires full-time participation.
Maintaining F-1 Status During CPT
Participation in CPT does not exempt an F-1 student from the obligation to maintain their F-1 status. During academic terms, students must maintain full-time enrollment, which includes registering for the CPT-related course in addition to regular coursework. Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion, as the CPT experience is meant to supplement, not replace, academic progress. Any changes to employment, such as moving to a new work location, or any academic changes must be reported to the DSO promptly. Working outside the authorized dates or for an employer not listed on the Form I-20, or failing to adhere to full-time enrollment requirements, constitutes a violation of F-1 status.
How CPT Usage Affects Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The amount of Curricular Practical Training utilized impacts a student’s future eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). If an F-1 student accumulates 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT at that degree level; this rule applies to the aggregate time spent in full-time CPT throughout the program of study. Only full-time CPT usage counts toward this 12-month limit. Part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) does not affect a student’s eligibility for OPT, regardless of the total duration. Students often limit their full-time CPT usage to avoid reaching the 365-day threshold, ensuring they retain the full 12 months of post-completion OPT.