For F-1 international students in the United States, practical training is an invaluable component of their academic journey. It provides opportunities to gain real-world experience related to their field of study, enhancing their skills and future career prospects. Among the practical training options available, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) stands out as a crucial pathway for eligible students.
This article delves into the specifics of CPT, providing a comprehensive guide for international students and Designated School Officials (DSOs) to understand its nuances, eligibility criteria, application process, and importance.
Understanding Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization that allows F-1 students to participate in off-campus employment opportunities that are directly related to their major area of study. It’s designed to be an integral part of the established curriculum, providing students with practical experience that complements their classroom learning.
To better understand CPT, it’s helpful to distinguish it from another type of practical training: Optional Practical Training (OPT).
CPT vs. OPT: Key Differences
| Feature | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship to Curriculum | Directly related to the student’s major and an integral part of it. | Directly related to the student’s major. |
| Authorization | Authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS. | Recommended by DSO in SEVIS, authorized by USCIS (EAD issued). |
| Training Requirement | Training opportunity must be secured before authorization. | Training opportunity not required for DSO recommendation. |
| Employer | Specific employer authorized on Form I-20. | Allows work for any employer related to the field of study. |
| Timing | Must occur before the program end date on Form I-20. | Can occur before or after the program end date. |
| Overlapping Periods | Multiple CPT authorizations can overlap. | OPT periods cannot overlap. |
| Impact on OPT | One year of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility. | Does not eliminate OPT eligibility. |
| Higher Education Level OPT | Not mentioned in the context of CPT. | Additional 12 months of OPT eligibility when changing to a higher level. |
This article will primarily focus on Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
What Exactly is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
CPT is more than just a job for F-1 students; it’s a structured educational experience. It’s defined by the following key characteristics:
- Directly Related to Major: The training must be directly linked to the student’s major area of study. This means the skills and knowledge gained through CPT should enhance their academic learning and contribute to their degree program.
- Integral Part of Curriculum: CPT is not simply optional work experience; it’s an essential component of the school’s curriculum. This integration can take various forms, such as:
- Required Internship: The student’s academic program may mandate an internship or practicum to graduate.
- Credit-Bearing Course: Students might enroll in a course that includes practical training as a core component, earning academic credit for their work experience.
- Cooperative Education Program: The school may have a formal cooperative education program where alternating periods of academic study and work experience are structured into the curriculum.
- DSO Authorization: CPT authorization is granted by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the student’s SEVP-certified school. The DSO assesses the eligibility and ensures the training aligns with the curriculum requirements. This authorization is documented in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and reflected on the student’s Form I-20.
- Specific Employer and Time Period: CPT authorization is employer-specific and for a defined period. Students need to secure a training opportunity before CPT can be authorized, and the authorization is valid only for that particular employer and within the specified dates.
- Prior to Program Completion: CPT must be completed before the student’s program end date as listed on their Form I-20. It is designed to be a part of the academic program itself, rather than post-graduation employment.
Why is CPT Important?
CPT offers significant benefits for F-1 students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. It provides:
- Real-World Experience: CPT allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world work scenarios. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing professional skills and gaining a deeper understanding of their field.
- Career Development: Participating in CPT can significantly enhance a student’s resume and career prospects. It demonstrates practical skills and experience to future employers, making graduates more competitive in the job market.
- Networking Opportunities: CPT provides a platform to build professional networks within their industry. Students can connect with industry professionals, potential mentors, and future employers.
- Financial Support: CPT can offer financial assistance to students, helping them offset the costs of living and studying in the U.S.
- Curriculum Enrichment: By integrating practical experience directly into the curriculum, CPT enhances the overall educational experience, making learning more engaging and relevant.
A Designated School Official accessing student information page to manage CPT authorization in SEVIS.
CPT Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for CPT, an F-1 student must meet specific criteria. A DSO can authorize CPT for a student if they:
- Full-Time Enrollment for One Academic Year: The student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year (two semesters or three quarters). Exception: Graduate students whose programs require practical training earlier may be eligible even before completing a full academic year.
- Not Studying English as a Second Language: Students enrolled solely in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are not eligible for CPT.
- Secured a Training Position: The student must have already secured a specific internship or employment opportunity that qualifies as CPT.
- Maintain F-1 Status: The student must be maintaining their F-1 status, which includes being enrolled full-time (except during authorized breaks) and complying with all F-1 visa regulations.
- Curriculum Requirement: The training must be an integral part of their established curriculum, as defined by the school.
It’s important to note that CPT authorization is only necessary for training conducted within the United States. For instance, a summer internship in a student’s home country does not require CPT authorization.
The CPT Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The CPT application process typically involves collaboration between the student and the DSO. Here’s an overview of the steps:
Student Responsibilities:
- Secure a Qualifying Internship or Job: The first step is for the student to find a job or internship opportunity that directly relates to their major field of study and meets the curricular requirements of their program.
- Consult with Academic Advisor/Department: Students should discuss the opportunity with their academic advisor or relevant department to confirm that the training qualifies for CPT and fulfills the curriculum requirements.
- Submit CPT Request to DSO: Using the school’s established procedures, the student must formally request CPT authorization from their DSO. This usually involves submitting required documentation, such as an offer letter from the employer, a description of job duties, and confirmation of the curricular connection.
DSO Responsibilities:
- Review CPT Request: The DSO reviews the student’s request and supporting documentation to determine if the student is eligible for CPT and if the training meets all regulatory requirements and school policies.
- Authorize CPT in SEVIS: If the DSO approves the CPT request, they will authorize it in SEVIS, specifying the employer, employment dates (start and end dates), and whether it’s full-time or part-time.
- Issue Updated Form I-20: The DSO will print and sign a new Form I-20 with the CPT authorization on page 2. This Form I-20 is the official document authorizing the student to participate in CPT.
CPT Authorization in SEVIS: A Detailed Look for DSOs
For Designated School Officials, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the platform for managing CPT authorizations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to authorize CPT in SEVIS:
| Step | Player | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student | Requests CPT through the school’s established process. |
| 2 | DSO | Reviews the request and verifies the student’s CPT eligibility. |
| 3 | DSO | Authorizes CPT in SEVIS for a specific employer. |
| 4 | DSO | Prints and signs Form I-20 with CPT authorization. |
| 5 | Student | Begins work on or after the CPT start date and before the end date. |
Detailed SEVIS Steps for DSOs:
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Access Student Information Page: In SEVIS, navigate to the Student Information page for the relevant student.
Navigation within SEVIS to access CPT authorization page.
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Navigate to CPT Employment Authorization: In the “Employment/Training” section on the left-hand side menu, click on CPT Employment Authorization. This will open the CPT Employment page.
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Initiate New CPT Authorization: Click on New CPT Employment to open the Add CPT Employment page.
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Complete Required Fields: Fill in the following mandatory fields accurately:
- Employment Start Date: Enter the date the CPT is scheduled to begin (MM/DD/YYYY format). Important: The CPT start date must be on or after the date of authorization in SEVIS. Students cannot begin working before the authorization date.
- Employment End Date: Enter the date the CPT will conclude (MM/DD/YYYY format).
- Full Time/Part Time: Select the employment type:
- Full Time: More than 20 hours per week.
- Part Time: 20 hours or less per week.
- Note: DSOs must adhere to school policies regarding full-time or part-time CPT authorization, and students must maintain a full course of study while school is in session, even with CPT authorization.
- Employer Name: Enter the full legal name of the employing company or organization.
- Employer Address: Click Add Employer Address to input the training location address in the Add Address modal. Ensure adherence to address standards.
- Explain how the employment is curricular: In the “Explain how the employment is curricular” field, provide a clear and concise explanation (within 250 characters) detailing how the practical training is an integral component of the student’s established curriculum. This is a highly recommended field to complete for clarity and record-keeping.
- Employment Remarks (Optional): Add any optional remarks about the employment (250-character limit). These remarks will be visible on the Current Request/Authorizations page.
- Student Remarks (Optional): Include any remarks about the training that should be printed on the Form I-20 (1,000-character limit). These remarks will also appear on the Student Information page.
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Submit or Cancel: Click Add Employment to finalize the CPT authorization. You can also choose Reset Values to clear the entered information or Cancel to return to the CPT Employment page without authorizing CPT.
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Post-Authorization Options: Upon successful authorization, an Update Successful page will appear, offering options to Return to Employment List or Print I-20. Select Print I-20 to generate the Form I-20 with CPT details.
Canceling, Editing, and Viewing CPT Authorizations in SEVIS
DSOs also have the ability to cancel or edit CPT authorizations within SEVIS, as well as view comprehensive CPT information.
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Canceling CPT: CPT authorizations can be canceled before the start date. This is done through the CPT Employment page by selecting “Cancel” for the specific authorization.
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Editing CPT: To modify an existing CPT authorization (e.g., to shorten the end date or update details), DSOs can use the “Edit” option on the CPT Employment page. Edits are tracked in the Event History.
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Viewing CPT Information: DSOs can access CPT information in various sections of SEVIS:
- Student List: The “Students with Curricular Practical Training (CPT)” list provides a quick overview of students with active or future CPT.
- Employment Information Page: Displays all CPT authorizations for a student.
Employment Information page in SEVIS displaying CPT authorization details for a student.
- Current Requests/Authorization Details Page: Shows current and future CPT authorizations.
Current Requests/Authorization Details page displaying CPT information.
- Student Event History: Provides a complete history of all CPT-related actions for a student.
Student Event History page in SEVIS showing CPT authorization events.
Regulations and Policies Governing CPT
CPT is governed by a complex set of federal regulations and school-specific policies. DSOs must be well-versed in these regulations to ensure compliance and proper authorization. Key aspects include:
- Federal Regulations: U.S. immigration regulations outline the eligibility requirements, conditions, and limitations of CPT for F-1 students.
- School Policies: Individual schools establish their own policies regarding internships, experiential learning, and the integration of practical training into their curricula. These policies must align with federal regulations but can provide further details and requirements specific to the institution.
Conclusion
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a vital opportunity for F-1 international students to gain practical experience, enhance their academic learning, and prepare for their future careers. Understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and SEVIS procedures is crucial for both students and DSOs. By utilizing CPT effectively, international students can enrich their educational journey in the U.S. and build a strong foundation for their professional success.
