International students studying at U.S. universities certified by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) may be eligible for what is known as Curricular Practical Training. If you are attending college in the United States on an F-1 visa and want to obtain an internship or work experience it is crucial that you fully understand your legal rights and options when doing so. Continue reading and speak with a skilled immigration attorney in NYC for more information and comprehensive legal advice.
What is Curricular Practical Training?
Curricular Practical Training, often shortened to CPT, is a type of work authorization available to international students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa. CPT provides students with an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience directly related to their field of study while they pursue their degree by permitting them to participate in internships, cooperative education programs, and other work/study experiences.
Curricular Practical Training must be integral to your curriculum and directly connected to your major. Some other important distinctions of a CPT include the following.
- The training has to directly relate to your major area of study
- The CPT must be authorized by a designated school official (DSO)
- The CPT must occur before the end date of your program, as specified on Form I-20
- You can have more than one CPT but you need authorization for each employer and each specific time period
- You must secure the training opportunity before the DSO authorization
- Your CPT must be authorized before you begin working
There are two types of CPTs, part-time and full-time. Part-time is employment for 20 hours or less per week. You must be enrolled in classes full time and balance both work and study. Full-time CPT allows you to work more than 20 hours per week.
Am I Eligible for a CPT?
It is important to understand whether or not you are eligible for a CPT. Not all international students will be automatically eligible simply because they possess an F-1 visa. Instead, visa holders must meet the following conditions.
- Full time enrollment: You must be enrolled full-time at an SEVP-certified college, conservatory, or seminary. You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one year before you apply for the CPT.
- Coursework: The CPT you are applying for must be an integral part of your curriculum, meaning that the work experience must be closely related to your major and required for academic credit.
- ESL: Students studying ESL (English as a Second Language) full time are not eligible for CPT.
- Visa status: You must be in lawful F-1 visa status before applying for the CPT.
- Job offer: You must secure an offer of employment before being authorized to work by the DSO.
Depending on your school and legal status you may have more requirements to be considered eligible for a CPT. Consult with an experienced immigration attorney for more information and legal advice.
