CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

LiveRec EditorialUpdated

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorised by a school as part of a student's degree programme. It differs from OPT, which USCIS authorises. Twelve months or more of full-time CPT can affect OPT eligibility. Ask your school's Designated School Official how it applies to you before you accept work.

What counts as CPT

The government describes CPT as training such as an internship, cooperative education or a required practicum. It must be an integral part of the established curriculum and directly related to the student's major.

How it is authorised

  1. Secure the position first.
  2. Ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to review and authorise CPT. The DSO decides eligibility.
  3. The DSO records the authorization in SEVIS for one specific employer and time period, and it is printed on page two of your Form I-20.
  4. Do not start work before the CPT start date on that authorization.

No separate USCIS application is involved in CPT, unlike OPT.

Who is eligible

A student generally needs to have been lawfully enrolled full time for at least one full academic year. Graduate programs that require training earlier are an exception. Students in an English language training program are not eligible.

Full-time and part-time

Full-time CPT is more than 20 hours a week. Part-time is 20 hours a week or fewer. You still need to keep a full course of study while school is in session. One year of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT, so ask your DSO before you accept a long full-time CPT.

Example

An internship for course credit authorised by the school, for one employer, with dates on the Form I-20.

Sources

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.