Why opt for Curricular Practical Training?

Why opt for CPT?

There are various kinds of employment opportunities available to international students who wish to take up employment in the USA. While continuing the classes for the selected course, students get ample opportunities to engage themselves in the training programs offered. One such training program available to the students is CPT.

What is Curricular Practical Training?

Curricular Practical Training or CPT is a common training program in the USA opted by international students. It means that international students with an F1 visa can obtain training and experience related to their course of study while the program is going on.

CPT is a kind of temporary permission given to international students holding an F1 visa to pursue training in the respective course. The training or employment taken up must revolve around the curriculum. CPT is considered an integral part of some courses, wherein students need to engage themselves with practical training to enhance knowledge and skills. 

The kinds of degrees offering CPT courses, and credit requirements vary with different universities and their requirements. It is thus required that before applying for CPT, the student first confirms if CPT is offered by the specific course the student has opted for. The student must also keep in mind that CPT approval is authorized only on a semester basis.

To apply for CPT, the student needs to keep the following steps in mind.

• Consult student advisors at the respective university or college to know about CPT requirements.
• Apply for employment related to the course.
• After getting the job, take a job offer letter from the company as it has to be submitted to the university.
• Approval might take a few days, so it is better to plan accordingly. The student can join the job once the CPT I-20 has been received.  

Eligibility requirements for CPT

• Valid F1 student visa.
• Obtaining a job related to the curriculum/course selected.
• Not enrolled in English Language course.
• Health insurance.

What are the steps to apply for CPT?

• Consult academic advisor regarding CPT requirements of your course. 
• Apply for CPT once you have received a job offer from a specific employer or company.
• Take up a detailed letter from the company stating the kind of training offered, job title, job description, and office address on the company’s letterhead.
• Complete the CPT application and submit it along with all the required documents. 

Pros of opting for Curricular Practical Training.

• It helps in the research project to be completed to obtain the degree.
• Gain hands-on experience while studying.
• Part-time and full-time employment options are available.

Cons of opting for Curricular Practical Training.

• If 12 months of full-time CPT is completed, the student cannot opt for OPT after completion of the degree.

Important points to be noted

• There is no limit to the minimum or maximum work hours allowed.
• CPT can be taken up as part-time or full-time.
• Part-time CPT means 20 hours or less per week.
• Full-time CPT means 20 hours or more per week.