In this article, we’ll discuss what a CPT is, its benefits, eligibility requirements and the application process.

What is CPT?

Curricular practical training is defined as employment that’s directly related to a student’s major area of study and is an integral part of a school’s established curriculum. It’s an academic experience that includes:

• alternate work or study
• paid or unpaid internships
• a cooperative (co-op) education experience
• practicum participation
• on-campus work that may require additional authorisation.

CPT is only available before a student completes their degree program; it should occur before the end date listed on their Form I-20. The student should obtain their job opportunity at the time of application, and any employment must not delay the completion of their academic courses (i.e., students should maintain full-time enrolment or authorised reduced load even with their CPT). Authorisation is for one specific employer for a specified period. A student may possess than one CPT authorisation at the same time. However, they would need separate CPT authorisation for each employer and CPT segment.

Students can have either part-time or full-time CPT. Part-time CPT involves employment for 20 hours or less per week. Employment that exceeds 20 hours per week is considered full-time. It’s important to note that 12 months or more of full-time CPT may eliminate a student’s eligibility for optional practical training (OPT), which allows graduates to enjoy post-study work rights.

Who can apply for CPT?

A student is eligible for CPT if they:

• have an active F-1 visa status
• are enrolled at a Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college, university, conservatory or seminary
• have been lawfully enrolled for at least one year (three academic quarters) of full-time study in the US
• are making normal academic progress
• obtain a job or internship offer letter during the time of the CPT authorisation request
• are registered for CPT credits for the job or internship offer at the time of CPT authorisation request.

How to apply for CPT

Applying for CPT is a straightforward process, but it might differ depending on the university, so it’s best to check the specific steps and requirements per institution. That said, it generally follows the same procedure. Here’s an overview of how to apply for CPT:

1. Consult a student advisor

The student should speak to a student advisor in their university to find out about the available CPT programs at their institution. The counsellor should be able to give information about eligibility requirements and potential employers, as well as explain how the process works.

2. Take the necessary CPT courses

Before a student can take CPT, they typically have to complete a set of courses or a workshop to make them eligible.

3. Obtain a job or internship letter

The student can apply for a job or internship in their university’s CPT program. Once they have been accepted, they should get the corresponding letter of offer. The school will have a list of information that this letter should include, like the address of the employer and the period of work.

4. Apply for CPT authorisation

Along with the offer letter, the student should then compile all the necessary documents and apply for CPT authorisation through their school’s designated channels or portals. Common requirements include:

• academic recommendation for CPT
• detailed CPT description from the employer
• copy of the student’s current I-20
• printout of the student’s unofficial transcript or proof of enrolment.

Getting CPT authorisation may take a few days (even a couple of weeks!), so it’s recommended to plan ahead.

5. Coordinate with employer

Once the student’s CPT authorisation is approved, they should receive a physical or digital document outlining the details of the training. This should be printed and signed, and the student should make copies as required.

The student can then coordinate with their employer to finalise work arrangements and begin CPT. Note that a student may only begin their CPT after getting authorisation.

Assist students with CPT through Global Study Partners

Global Study Partners (GSP) is ready to help you guide students through their educational journey in the US. Speak to one of our business development experts to learn more about CPT and study opportunities for students in the country.

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What is CPT?

CPT is a temporary employment program available for international students who hold an F1 visa and wish to gain practical employment experience directly related to their major. This generally applies to internship, practicum and co-op opportunities from a sponsored employer partnered with the student’s college or university as part of an established curriculum.

CPT lets students work full-time (over 20 hours a week) or part-time (up to 20 hours per week). Work under CPT must be completed before graduating.

If applying for CPT, the student must secure the training opportunity before authorisation. However, they may only begin work with the permit. One can also have two or more CPT authorisations simultaneously.

Some universities require training opportunities that necessitate CPT. For example, a tech major might need to get internship credits, so they apply for a job at a software development firm partnered with the university. They get the position and apply for CPT authorisation through their university. Then, they work for the company for the specified hours to complete their course requirement.

Students who are working under CPT must be cautious not to go over 365 days of full-time work, which may happen if they take on more than one job opportunity at a time. Doing so might make them ineligible to apply for work after graduation.

What is OPT?

OPT is another temporary employment program that allows international students to take a paid job that’s directly related to their major or study from any employer. Through OPT, those with F1 visas can work up to 12 months in the country. OPT is available after a student completes their first academic year. It can be completed before (pre-completion OPT) or after (post-completion OPT) their studies. If a student chooses to start working while earning their degree, they may deduct their pre-completion OPT period from the available post-completion OPT period.

Students can apply for OPT at each education level (e.g. undergraduate and postgraduate), so they can get additional authorisation when they change to a higher one (though periods of OPT may not overlap).

OPT is one of the primary ways for international students to remain in the US and enter the local job market. Unlike CPT, OPT is primarily granted as a separate work opportunity (i.e., it doesn’t have to be part of a school’s program) for students who want to earn while they study or after graduation. For instance, a marketing major may apply for OPT after finishing their studies when they’re offered a job at an advertising company. This would mark the start of their career in the field. If they would like to continue working, they may change their visa status within that period; they could transition from an F1 visa to an H1B temporary working visa, which will allow them to remain in the country for up to six years under petition by their employer.

What is OPT extension?

Students with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) degree are allowed to apply for an OPT extension. This enables them to extend their employment for up to 24 months, totaling three years of work authorisation.

An OPT extension is applicable for students:

• currently working in a post-completion OPT period
• are employed by (or wish to work with) a company that uses the E-Verify program
• have a signed Form I-983 “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”

What are the differences between CPT and OPT?

There are several differences between CPT vs. OPT. Let’s explore each one.

Purpose

Both CPT and OPT are designed to help students gain practical experience in their field of study. That said, CPT is undertaken simultaneously as a program. It’s usually part of a curriculum—and therefore a requirement to complete a course. OPT, on the other hand, is an optional post-study work opportunity that’s not required for graduation.

Period and duration of work

CPT is only applicable when a student is enrolled. An individual can either do it part-time (20 hours during school) or full-time (40 hours in the summer). OPT is done full-time after graduation. Both CPT and OPT allow students to work for up to 12 months. However, the latter can be extended for an extra 24 months if an eligible candidate has a STEM degree.

Employer and type of work

A student on CPT is permitted to work with any employer, though typically these are companies partnered with their university. Graduates on OPT can only work with employers who are on the I-20 list and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

CPT and OPT options with upGrad GSP

upGrad GSP maintains a network of educational partners in the US and Canada that can assist students who would like to understand CPT vs. OPT and explore their related opportunities. Speak to one of our business development experts to learn more!

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