As an F-1 student, you may qualify for practical training related to your primary field of study. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations permit two types of practical training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for active students and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students who completed a program.
What Is Curricular Practical Training?
Curricular Practical Training is real-world training related to your field of study woven into the school’s curriculum as an integral part of your education.
A sponsoring employer, in agreement with the school, may offer CPT in several different ways, including:
- Cooperative education program
- Internship/Externship
- Practicum
- Alternative work-study arrangement
CPT may be either full-time or part-time. ICE classifies full-time as working over 20 hours per week.
How to Meet CPT Requirements
You can only begin CPT once you meet all eligibility requirements and receive CPT authorization from your school.
Eligibility
To participate in CPT, you must be an F-1 student enrolled full-time for at least one year in a SEVP-certified institution. The one exception is if you are taking graduate studies that require prior practical training.
To qualify for CPT, your primary field of study can be in any subject except for English as a Second Language (ESL.)
You cannot participate in CPT for your minor area of study or general graduation requirements.
If you participate in CPT full-time for one year, you become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), the other form of practical training available to F-1 students.
Authorization
A Designated School Official (DSO) will authorize your CPT opportunity in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. That authorization will then appear on your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
You do not need additional authorization from ICE to participate in CPT.
CPT authorization is for practical training from a specific employer. Therefore, you must secure your CPT opportunity before you can receive CPT authorization. The employer must sign a letter or cooperative agreement affirming the CPT opportunity for it to be authorized.
You may secure authorization for multiple CPT opportunities and with more than a single employer at once. However, you must receive separate CPT authorization for each segment and employer that hires you.
CPT authorization is exclusively for work performed within the United States. If you
conduct your training abroad, such as taking on a summer internship in your home country; you do not need CPT authorization.
You must complete your authorized practical training before your Form I-20’s end date, as the authorization is for a pre-determined period of time.
Overview of the CPT Authorization Process
The process involves you, the student, and DSO taking the following actions:
- You complete the process your school has established for requesting CPT
- Your DSO reviews this request and determines your CPT eligibility
- Assuming you meet all eligibility requirements, your DSO authorizes a specific employer for your CPT in SEVIS
- Your DSO prints a new Form I-20 containing the CPT authorization and signs it
- You can begin work for your authorized employer either on or after the start date listed for your CPT on your Form I-20. You cannot start your CPT before the listed start date, and you must complete your training by the listed end date
You must receive CPT authorization before starting work for a particular employer.
Be sure you can start and complete your CPT within the time frame listed on your authorization. A DSO can only cancel your CPT before its listed start date. After that date, your DSO can only change your end date to shorten the CPT period. Your DSO can also defer or update your authorization after this time.
CSI’s Flexible Approach to CPT Programs
If you’re an F-1 student looking for a CPT program that will provide you with the academic skills, knowledge, and unwavering support you’ll need to reach both your professional and personal goals, CSI has you covered.
We take a flexible approach to CPT programs, which means you don’t have to compromise on quality, work-life balance, or price. Our programs provide students with everything they’ll need to not only land their dream job but perform their duties with confidence.
We offer numerous benefits that allow students to earn certificates, F1 students can transfer to colleges and universities, as well as leverage different programs that offer CPT. We also believe in helping our students establish the perfect harmony between education and personal time, which is why CSI is known for our schedule benefits and flexibility that includes:
- Day/Evening/Weekend schedules
- Classes Only 2 to 3 days a week
- Ability to work while you study
- Time to thoroughly grasp the material and gain skills
- Opportunity to build a portfolio to present to employers
CSI Makes CPT Programs Affordable
At CSI, we also extend our academic flexibility to our affordable tuition and several financial options!
We offer numerous financial benefits for students looking to succeed with our programs, including:
- Payment Plan Options
- Lower cost per hour compared to competitors; for example, a CSI’s Business Career Program is only $1250 tuition per quarter, costing less than $7000 on average per year
- 1-year certificate programs allow the student to commit to a program for 1-year, instead of 2-years associate or 4 -years bachelor degree
- Financial webinars and sessions offered to students
At CSI, we believe in supporting your success in every way, which is why we offer flexible programs and payment options for your education. No financial situation should stand in the way of achieving quality education.
For additional guidance on flexible financing, please contact one of our knowledgeable team members here!
In Summary
Curricular Practical Training is not interchangeable with Optional Practical Training. It is, therefore, essential you understand the difference between the two before pursuing one or the other.
If you are an F-1 student at CSI still enrolled in your program of study and would like to discuss fulfilling your CPT requirement and option or begin the process of authorization, contact CSI right away. The sooner you start the CPT authorization process, the more time you can give yourself to complete this integral component of your education.
For more information on work options for international students, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
