What Is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, is a form of work authorization in the United States that lets F-1 international students take paid or unpaid employment off campus when it is an integral part of their degree program. Examples include internships for credit, cooperative education programs and required practicums. It is different from optional practical training, or OPT, which usually follows or is taken in parallel to studies.

Eligibility

Rules are set by US immigration regulations and applied by your school, so details vary. In general:

• Study period: you must usually have been enrolled full time for one academic year, though graduate programs requiring immediate practical training may be exempt.
• Degree connection: the work must be part of the curriculum, such as a credit-bearing course or a required component.
• Authorization: your designated school official must approve it and add it to your I-20, with the employer, dates and whether it is part-time or full-time.
• Employer details: a job offer is needed, with a description that fits the program.

How to apply

1. Talk to your academic department about the course or program requirement.
2. Obtain the offer letter from the employer.
3. Submit a request to your international office, with documents they require.
4. Wait for approval and a new I-20 showing CPT authorization.
5. Start work only on or after the start date shown.

Part-time and full-time CPT

Part-time CPT is up to 20 hours a week, and full-time is more than that. Using twelve months or more of full-time CPT generally means you lose eligibility for OPT, while part-time CPT does not count in the same way. Always ask before accepting.

Risks

Working without authorization, or outside the dates and employer approved, can lead to loss of status, which may be hard to fix. Schools differ in how they interpret the rules, and policies can change. Keep documents, and check any changes with the international office.

Why it matters

CPT can give practical experience, income and a path to future employment, but it must be used carefully.

Related terms

See Form I-20, SEVIS, designated school official, practicum and placement year.