What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Yatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment program specifically designed for international students in the United States holding an F-1 visa. It enables eligible students to participate in paid or unpaid internships, and practicums, or other off-campus employment that directly relates to their field of study and they can work 20 hours and above per week. CPT is a critical component of academic curriculums for many programs and provides students with invaluable real-world experience.

Also Check: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

Table of Contents

How Does CPT Help Students?
Eligibility for CPT
Documentation Required for CPT
Facts About CPT
CPT Rules for F-1 Visa Holders
How to Apply for CPT?
What is OPT?
OPT vs. CPT: Key Differences
FAQs

How Does CPT Help Students?

CPT allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience essential for academic and career development. Here are the key benefits:

Practical Experience: Students acquire hands-on skills and knowledge while pursuing their degrees, enhancing their professional readiness.
Networking Opportunities: Engaging in the workplace helps students build professional relationships, which can be crucial for securing job opportunities post-graduation.
Better Job Prospects: With early exposure to the workforce, students are better prepared for careers in their field of study.

Also Check: How to Appeal OPT Denial

Eligibility for CPT

To qualify for CPT, students must meet the following criteria:

F-1 Student Status: Maintain valid F-1 visa status.
Completed One Academic Year: Full-time students must complete one full academic year before applying for CPT.
Relevance to Major: Employment must directly relate to the student’s major area of study.
Approval by DSO: Obtain approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) at the student’s institution.

Documentation Required for CPT

Students need the following documents to apply for CPT:

Certificate of completion for CPT workshops (often online).
A valid passport and current F-1 visa.
A completed I-20 form with the DSO’s endorsement for CPT.
A job offer letter from the employer with all required details (e.g., job title, work location).
Confirmation of full-time enrollment for at least one academic year.
Enrollment confirmation or transcripts from the school.
Recommendation letter from a professor (if required).

Facts About CPT

Here are some essential points to keep in mind about CPT:

CPT is strictly for off-campus employment.
Authorization is granted for specific employers and periods (e.g., semester or summer session).
A maximum of 12 months of full-time CPT is allowed. Using this full duration disqualifies students from applying for OPT.
Students must maintain valid F-1 visa status and remain enrolled in their program to continue working under CPT.
CPT authorization must be obtained before beginning employment.

CPT Rules for F-1 Visa Holders

Key rules for F-1 visa students applying for CPT:

Authorization: Students must receive authorization for specific employers and periods from their DSO.
Work Hours:
- Full-time CPT: Up to 40 hours per week.
- Part-time CPT: Limited to 20 hours per week during semesters but full-time during breaks.
Eligibility for OPT: If students use 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they forfeit eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Enrollment Requirement: Students on part-time CPT must be enrolled full-time during fall and winter semesters.
No Post-Graduation CPT: CPT cannot be used after graduation; students can transition to OPT instead.

How to Apply for CPT?

Follow these steps to apply for CPT:

Consult Your DSO: Contact your university’s student advisor to check CPT eligibility and available programs.
Obtain a Job Offer Letter: Secure an offer from an employer with all required details, such as job title and workplace address.
Submit Application: Apply for CPT authorization through your college or university’s designated process. Ensure all documents, including proof of enrollment, are ready.
Receive Approval: After approval, you’ll receive a CPT document with start and end dates.
Provide Documents to Employer: Share the necessary CPT authorization documents with your employer if requested.
Begin Work: Start work on the authorized date and follow all CPT regulations.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment program that allows F-1 students to work in their field of study, either before or after graduation. Unlike CPT, which is tied to a specific curriculum, OPT is more flexible and includes options for post-graduation employment.

Key Features of OPT:

Allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months.
STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension, allowing a total of 36 months of OPT.
OPT authorization requires approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

OPT vs. CPT: Key Differences

The table below outlines the primary differences between OPT and CPT:

Parameter	OPT	CPT
Eligibility	F-1 visa holders before or after graduation	F-1 visa holders before graduation
Duration	12 months; 24-month STEM extension possible	Up to 12 months
Application Cost	$410 (approx. ₹33,369)	No application cost
Work Hours	Part-time during school; full-time after	Part-time (20 hours) or full-time (40 hours)
Type of Work	Must be related to the field of study	Must be part of the curriculum
Authorization	Approved by USCIS	Approved by DSO
Documents Needed	Employment Authorization Document (EAD)	Updated I-20 document

Also Check: OPT vs CPT Guide

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an essential step for F-1 students in the U.S. to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience. By understanding CPT rules and planning strategically, students can gain the skills and connections needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

FAQs

Ques. Can someone on CPT work for more than one employer?

Ans. Yes, but all positions must be directly related to the student’s field of study and approved by the DSO. Students must adhere to work-hour limits and report employment details to their university.

Ques. What is the main difference between CPT and OPT?

Ans. CPT is for gaining real-world experience during the academic program and is curriculum-specific. OPT allows students to work in their field of study after graduation with more flexibility.

Ques. Can I apply for CPT after graduation?

Ans. No, CPT is only available to students actively enrolled in a program. Post-graduation, students can apply for OPT instead.

Ques. What are the benefits of CPT?

Ans. CPT provides practical work experience, helps students build a professional network, and improves job prospects post-graduation while earning money to support living expenses.

Ques. Can STEM students benefit from CPT?

Ans. Yes, but CPT does not offer an extension for STEM students like OPT does. However, it allows students to gain hands-on experience relevant to their field of study.