Table of Contents
Did you know that F-1 students can explore practical training opportunities in the US that are compulsory for their course completion? Practical training offers work experience, enhancing skills students acquire from their academics. The mandatory practical training requirement is met with the help of the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) opportunity, which this blog will discuss in detail.
A CPT (Curricular Practical Training) visa is not a visa per se. It is a type of authorization that allows F-1 visa students in the United States to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. It could be paid or unpaid internships or full or part-time work that is directly related to the student’s field of study.
The CPT program must be an integral part of your study in the US. Enrolling on a CPT program would not cancel your OPT (Optional Practical Training) opportunity, provided it is of less than 12 months. If your CPT is up to or more than 12 months, you will not be eligible to apply for an OPT after completing your studies.
With CPT, your work can be either on-campus or off-campus. Both types of work count towards your required practical experience to complete your course.
For CPT programs, it is crucial to follow the prescribed guidelines. Given below are the eligibility requirements for CPT in the US:
The DSO takes care of the CPT authorization for students in the US. For that, the following documents are typically required:
Form I-20 | Academic Transcripts |
English Proficiency Certificate | Offer Letter for Job/ Training |
Passport Copy | Visa Documents |
Here’s how an international student gets CPT authorization from the DSO:
Often, students are confused between CPT and OPT. The major difference is that CPT is a compulsory academic requirement for your program completion, while OPT is optional. If your CPT takes 12 months, it is counted towards your OPT experience in the US.
The table below compares CPT and OPT to resolve the confusion:
Parameters | CPT | OPT |
Purpose | Completing the academic program requires practical training. | Gaining practical experience after studying for professional or personal achievements. |
Academic Importance | Mandatory to complete the study | Not mandatory to complete the study |
Authorization by | Academic department | USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Services) |
Validity | 12 months | 12 – 24 months |
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Not applicable | Students get Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
Application fee | None | 410 USD |
Work time | 20 – 40 hours a week | 20 hours a week or full-time |
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in the US allows students to gain the required practical experience while studying with an F-1 visa in the US. Students need authorization from their DSO for CPT programs that can be 20 – 40 hours a week. However, unlike OPT, the CPT can’t be your path to permanent residency unless your CPT experience is counted towards OPT.
Learning about the CPT visa could be your first step. Get complete guidance from Nomad Credit’s expert counselors to fulfil your plans. Access unlimited support in US admission, SOP, personalized education loan options, and the student visa at zero cost. Soar high with Nomad Credit, your study abroad partner.
A CPT authorization is valid for 12 months in the US. To work more than 12 months in the US, students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them 12 more months to stay in the US.
The CPT is part of the academic program and does not require an external work visa other than the F-1 visa. Students can’t request CPT if their course does not offer it.
The CPT programs can be paid or unpaid. Depending on your preference, you can search for suitable CPT programs in the US.
Only F-1 students are allowed to take part in CPT programs. J-1 students are in exchange programs and do not qualify for practical training in the US.
Multiple times. There is no limit to whether a student can participate in CPT programs during their graduation. However, the maximum working hours must be 12 hours (or 40 in extreme cases), and the program should not be more than 12 months.
Yes. CPT authorization is possible only if the student submits an offer letter that specifies the job role, working hours, location, and other details.
Get expert guidance for collateral free options!
Tailored loan recommendations just for you
Start Eligibility CheckWe provide keep one to one counselling to
Study Abroad Aspirants