The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: \u201calternate work\/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school\u201d [8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)].\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an authorization issued by the The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) that permits F-1 students to participate in off-campus experiential learning opportunities.<\/p>\n In short, CPT is employment that is directly related to the student\u2019s major and is required to successfully complete a course. OPT is employment that is directly related to the student\u2019s major but not part of the student\u2019s curriculum. CPT can only be used while you are a student – once you complete your program, you are no longer eligible for CPT.<\/span><\/p>\n Students can be approved for either part-time or full-time CPT.\u00a0 Part-time CPT allows you to work 20 hours or less per week, while full-time CPT is required for any work that will be <\/span>more<\/span><\/span> than 20 hours per week.\u00a0 Doing full-time CPT for one year or more (364 days and up) will cancel one\u2019s eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).\u00a0 Part-time CPT does not affect one\u2019s eligibility for OPT.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are registered for any course that requires field work or off-campus site training, you must apply for CPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n If your CPT application is approved, an OGE staff member will process your application, and issue you a new I-20 with your CPT employer and work start and end dates listed on the second page. This I-20 authorizes you to work only for the employer listed and the dates designated. You cannot start your CPT job before the work start date or without the I-20, so you must apply more than two weeks in advance of your proposed start date to be sure you can work when your employer expects you to. The CPT start date cannot be backdated!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n Yes, but OGE\u00a0 advises you to use caution when making this decision as it can be stressful to balance a full-time course load with a full-time job. Please talk with your academic advisor and CPT-related course professor about this. If they think you can handle this load, they may sign your CPT Application recommending this. If full-time CPT is approved, your academic advisor, professor, and OGE will monitor you throughout the semester.\u00a0 If you are not attending your classes or your academic work is suffering because of your job, your CPT work authorization may be canceled by OGE.\u00a0 Please keep in mind that having your CPT canceled could adversely affect your ability to maintain F-1 status.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\nWhat is the difference between CPT and OPT?<\/h3>\n
To be eligible for CPT, students must:<\/h3>\n
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NOTE: All students must attend a CPT workshop<\/a> BEFORE applying for CPT.<\/h4>\n
Things to Know About CPT:<\/h3>\n
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How Do I Apply for CPT?<\/h2>\n
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