Curricular practical training is an important part of immigration law as it allows international students to gain work experience directly related to their major and interests. By giving students the opportunity to apply their studies in the real world, it benefits not only their resume but also their understanding of the information they are learning. If you are a student present in the United States on an F-1 visa, continue reading for more information on curricular practical training and reach out to a Queens student visa lawyer with any questions or concerns.
What’s Curricular Practical Training?
Curricular practical training is a work authorization made available to F-1 international students in the United States. An F-1 student is an international student who is pursuing full-time academic or vocational studies in the U.S. These students must obtain an F-1 visa in order to study legally in the United States, and this status applies to universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, conservatories, or other institutions certified by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
Curricular practical training, or CPT, provides students with hands-on experience directly related to their major or field of study. For example, a student studying computer science may use their CPT to intern at a software company.
Some important distinctions regarding CPT include the following.
- The training relates directly to the student’s major area of study
- The training is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum
- Designated school official (DSO) authorized CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20
- It occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20
- Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific period of time
- The student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized
- CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work
- The student can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time
- One year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT
Who is Eligible for a CPT?
Before applying for a CPT, it is important that you check whether you are eligible. You must meet the following requirements before being approved for curricular practical training.
- You must be enrolled full-time at an SEVP-certified school for at least one year before applying for the CPT
- The CPT must be an integral part of your curriculum, with work experience closely related to your major
- You must be in lawful F-1 visa status
- You must secure an employment offer before being authorized to work by the DSO
- You cannot be studying ESL (English as a Second Language) full-time
It is important to understand that the CPT must be authorized before your employment begins. If you begin working without proper authorization, it is a violation of your F-1 status and can have significant consequences.
To learn more about your rights and options while studying in the United States, contact a knowledgeable immigration attorney today.
