Information on Curriculum Practical Training
- 2. Introduction CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, gives international students authorization to gain employment training and to work in paid internships positions. Students have a chance to work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week) earning money in US dollars and gain work experience in their area of interest. Many colleges and universities offer Work Study programs only to their domestic students since it is largely paid for with federal funding. Since schools cannot provide federal financial aid to international students, payment must be made out of the budget from the office on campus or by a private organization. Because of this, the number of work study options may be far and few between. To confront this, these CPT Work Study programs provide students with the support to acquire a paid position on campus or off campus. Not only that, but many of them have been designed to allow students to begin working as early as the first year.
- 3. Introduction On Campus Employment International students are legally able to work on campus part-time, which is considered 20 hours a week or less. These programs allow students to begin working during their first semester enrolled in classes. Off Campus Employment The majority of Work Study CPT programs offer employment or paid internships off campus. Students are able to work a minimum of 40 hours a week. Note: Graduate students are able to begin working off campus in their first year as long as their university: mandates employment as a required component of the curriculum requires their employment to begin immediately. Keep in mind that your CPT must be work training that is necessary to complete a degree program. Not all degree programs will require CPT, but it’s often found in practical courses such as business and engineering where students can learn more putting their studies into practice in the workplace. Required CPT can be either paid or unpaid, with many competitive companies not providing a salary as the experience itself will look excellent on your resume.
- 4. General Eligibility for CPT Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study Training is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum The DSO authorized CPT in SEVIS and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20 Occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20 Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific time period Student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work Student can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time One year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT Note: CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student’s home country does not need CPT authorization.
- 5. Benefits of Work Study CPT Earn Money: Many Works Study CPT allow students to start working right away because the curriculum requires an internship in their first or second semester of study. That means that international students can begin working and earning money in US dollars. The wages paid are also equal to those paid to a US citizen doing the same role. After taxes, students can use their income to pay for their education needs, or for miscellaneous expenses as well. Specialized Curriculum: Work Study CPT programs are specifically designed so that paid internships are required and are part of the entire degree program. Because of this, students have the unique opportunity to begin working in their first semester at school – unlike other programs which only offer CPT after a minimum of one year. Work Experience: Working in the US can be invaluable no matter if you return to your home country or get sponsored on an H1B – or beyond. Working in the US helps improve your English fluency, business etiquette, and gain practical work experience in your field. Improve Your Odds of Employment Post-Graduation: Getting a job is no easy task, especially in today’s economy. Having a US degree can certainly help – and gaining valuable work experience will set you apart from your peers and show that you’ve got the knowledge and hands-on experience required for the job. Improve Your Professional English: While you might be getting good exposure to the English language through your studies and social life, CPT offers an opportunity to improve your English on a professional level. While this might not seem like a big asset, many employers in the US and abroad value experience where you are able to learn and speak business English. You can gain work experience directly related to your area of study, enhancing your knowledge and understanding of your field, including industry jargon, in the English language. Networking: While you will probably make friends in your classes and residence halls, working will help you meet new people and explore a new environment. Additionally, work study provides a great opportunity to start networking and establish business connections from the get-go. Meeting people already established in your field can help you enhance your resume, find related jobs in the future, and establish a solid list of references.
- 6. CPT PROCESS OVERVIEW Steps Player Action 1 Student · Requests CPT using the school’s established processes. 2 DSO · Reviews request and determines student’s eligibility for CPT. 3 DSO · Authorizes CPT in SEVIS for a specific employer. Prints and signs Form I-20 with CPT authorization. 4 Student · Begins work on or after the CPT start date. Note: The student cannot start work prior to the start date. All work must end by the CPT end date.
- 7. CPT Restrictions The restrictions that international students might find off-putting include: You must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT) CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit. You must have received a job offer that qualifies before you submit your CPT authorization request. Your job offer must be in your major or field of study. These restrictions are inconvenient for international students who need work right away, or whose degree program does not require any type of practicum or internship. These CPT Work Study programs design courses and work with schools to ensure that you’ll meet all of these requirements to begin working upon arrival. Fortunately, there are a number of schools and programs in the US that allow international students to begin work straight away, whether that work is in their field of study or not. These programs can be extremely helpful for students who are struggling financially.
- 8. Steps to Apply for CPT There are a number of steps that you must follow to apply for CPT. This process might vary slightly from one college to the next but most have the same basic expectations. Speak to a student advisor at your university to find out more about the CPT programs available at your institution, the eligibility requirements, and potential employers. If you’re not yet an international student in the US consider going through a program like HTIR Work-Study. Take any college required CPT courses necessary to become an eligible candidate. Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer. Universities typically have a list of specific information this letter should include, like the address where work will take place. Apply for the college-specific CPT program through your university. Note that authorization can take a few weeks, so plan ahead. Before beginning the application process make sure you have all requested documentation such as proof of class registration. You will receive a document (physical or by email) approving your application and outlining your CPT start and end date. Print, sign and make a copy of this document where required. Talk to your employer and send relevant documentation where required. Start the CPT program with your employer on the outlined start date.
- 9. Steps to Apply for CPT Considerations before applying: Eligibility — do you have an F1 visa and been enrolled in a full-time college program for at least one academic year? You will only be permitted to work for the duration stated on your CPT approval documentation, exceeding this will breach the terms of your visa and college place. Remember that individual college requirements may vary. Always check the CPT program requirements at your college before applying.
- 10. A Good Place to Start HTIR Work-Study connects international students with universities that offer work study programs in their area of interest. HTIR works with several universities and has helped numerous students work as they pursue their degree. If you’ve finished your undergraduate degree HTIR could help you find a graduate program that allows you to work as you pursue your studies. HTIR matches students with Work Study programs relevant to their field at a number of colleges in the US, helping students to gain professional experience and earn additional income. HTIR Work Study benefits include the ability to start work during your first semester of studies and receive a regular income. Additionally, HTIR takes the stress out of finding a relevant Work Study program as they match students like you with a program that fits your needs.
- 11. A Good Place to Start To be eligible for HTIR Work Study, USA, you must: Have a bachelor’s degree Be proficient in English Intent to study: Management Information Systems, Marketing Management, Healthcare Leadership, Management, International Business, General Business, Finance Management and Investment, Human Resource Management Have a sponsor or bank statement that shows proof of funding in the amount of $20,800 up to $32,000 Note: HTIR Work-Study, Inc., is an American information and research corporation, founded by a U.S. immigration lawyer and has been the leading search and referral service for "work-while-you-study" master programs since 1996. Its mission is to conduct free searches for international candidates seeking to locate US universities that allow students to pursue a master’s degree while working in paid off-campus internship employment.
- 12. What is the difference between CPT and OPT? Our chart below offers an at-a-glance guide to understand the OPT CPT difference. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Who can apply? International students on a F-1 visa who have enrolled for at least one full academic year Do you need to have a job lined up before your DSO authorizes or recommends practical training? Yes Who authorizes your practical training? Your DSO authorizes your CPT Which document do you need for eligibility? I-20 form (provided by your DSO) When can you participate? CPT occurs during your study program Is it employer-specific? Yes, and it is part of your course curriculum Is it eligible for STEM extension? No
- 13. What is the difference between CPT and OPT? Our chart below offers an at-a-glance guide to understand the OPT CPT difference. Optional Practical Training (OPT) Who can apply? International students on a F-1 visa who have enrolled for at least one full academic year Do you need to have a job lined up before your DSO authorizes or recommends practical training? No, you do not need to commit to a job before your DSO recommends OPT Who authorizes your practical training? After your DSO’s recommendation, USCIS.gov will authorize your OPT Which document do you need for eligibility? Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (sent by USCIS) When can you participate? OPT occurs before or after your program end date Is it employer-specific? No Is it eligible for STEM extension? Yes, STEM degree graduates can apply for a 24-month OPT extension
- 14. Here are a few commonly asked questions about CPT and OPT. Does CPT Affect OPT? Generally, your CPT will not affect OPT if CPT is authorized for less than 12 months of full-time work (i.e., more than 20 hours per week). If your full-time CPT duration is 12 months, you will not be able to apply for OPT. However, part-time CPT (20 hours per week or fewer) will not be deducted from OPT. Can You Apply for CPT and OPT at the Same Time? Yes, you can. However, remember that if you work for 12 months on full-time CPT, you will not be able to apply for OPT. Part-time CPT will not affect your eligibility for OPT, even if you work for more than 12 months. How to Choose Which is Right for You When reviewing the CPT vs OPT visa authorizations for work or internship opportunities, it is most important to work with your international student services office/DSO on campus, as they will assist you in answering the following questions: Does my degree program require an internship to graduate? What are the campus policies and requirements around international student internships, OPT or CPT? What paperwork do I need to complete? What deadlines do I have?
- 15. Forms Form I20 - Sample https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/Form%20I-20%20 SAMPLE.pdf