A Curricular Practical Training orCPT work permit refers to short-term employment permission granted to international students holding F-1 visas who are studying for a college-level degree in the US. With a CPT work permit, you can engage in practical training related to your field as part of your academic curriculum and work in the US while pursuing your studies. The employment is temporary and tied to your degree program.
Are you eligible for aCPT work permit?
To be eligible for a CPT work permit while you’re studying in the US, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be in valid F-1 visa status and be enrolled in a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
CPT must be integral to your major and directly related to your discipline/field of study. It can be a required part of your program, or you may receive academic credit for your CPT employment.
You must have been enrolled in school on a full-time basis for one academic year (two semesters) before being eligible for CPT. Graduate students in programs that require immediate internship participation are exempted from this rule.
Before you can begin your CPT, you must receive approval from your school's designated school official, who will provide you with a new I-20 form indicating their approval of your participation in CPT
You need to have received a job offer before you apply for a CPT work permit. CPT employment is specific to a particular employer for a specific period. If you change your employer, you need to reapply for CPT.
Remember that the regulations governing CPT and other types of off-campus employment for F-1 students can change at any time, and they can also be subject to different interpretations by different authorities. Always consult with an international educational consultant before applying for CPT to understand the most current rules and their implications.
CPTDog can help you get a CPT work permit. Our admission advisors possess up-to-date information about the latest CPT regulations. We are dedicated to assisting international students in resolving various study-abroad concerns.