Are you an F-1 student curious about practical experience during your studies? Curricular practical training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows you to gain hands-on experience directly related to your major while you’re still in school.
You can participate in internships, cooperative education, or other qualifying employment that is an essential part of your curriculum. CPT must be approved and integrated with your academic program.
Understanding what CPT means and how it works can help you make the most of your educational journey abroad. Learn how CPT opportunities can enhance your studies and career prospects at universities in the U.S. through this overview of F-1 Curricular Practical Training.
What Is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of temporary off-campus employment authorization available to F-1 students in the United States. As an international student, CPT allows you to gain hands-on experience directly related to your major while you are still enrolled in your academic program.
CPT is designed to help you apply classroom knowledge to real-world work settings.
Definition and Purpose
CPT is a structured form of practical training that enables F-1 students to work in jobs, internships, or cooperative education programs that are essential to their course of study. It is not a general work permit; each position must be directly related to your major and must be approved by your school’s Designated School Official (DSO).
Your CPT employment is intended to enhance your academic experience by applying what you learn in class to real employment scenarios. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CPT must be “an integral part of an established curriculum,” meaning it is a necessary component of your educational program.
You can learn more about the official definition and requirements for CPT from the Study in the States CPT overview.
CPT vs. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
While CPT and OPT both provide practical training opportunities for F-1 students, there are key differences. CPT must be completed before you finish your degree, while OPT is generally used before or after you graduate.
CPT requires an offer of employment directly tied to your curriculum, but OPT is more flexible and can relate to any work in your field. Another important distinction is that CPT is part of your academic program and must be authorized for each employer before work begins.
In contrast, OPT can be used for multiple employers and is not restricted to a particular course requirement. The ICE practical training page provides a clear comparison of CPT and OPT policies.
Types of CPT: Full-Time vs. Part-Time
There are two main types of CPT: Full-Time CPT and Part-Time CPT.
- Full-Time CPT: You work more than 20 hours per week. This is common during summer breaks or when your class schedule allows.
Engaging in 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for post-completion OPT.
- Part-Time CPT: You work 20 hours per week or less, usually during the regular academic term. This allows you to balance your coursework and CPT employment without affecting your future OPT eligibility.
CPT authorization is employer-specific and period-specific, so you can only work for the employer and dates approved by your DSO. Check with your school’s international student office for exact policies and to determine the right type of CPT for your situation.
For more details, see the University of Michigan CPT guide.
CPT Eligibility and Requirements
You need to meet several conditions to take part in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Your eligibility depends on your academic status, degree plans, and your progress as an F-1 student.
Who Qualifies for CPT?
To qualify for CPT, you must be in valid F-1 student status at a U.S. institution. You typically need to have completed at least one full academic year before you become eligible, unless your graduate program requires CPT from the start.
Both undergraduate and graduate students can be eligible, but your CPT must be tied to your current degree program. If you violate F-1 regulations, such as falling out of status or not maintaining full-time enrollment, you become ineligible for CPT.
You also need an official job offer related to your field of study before your school can authorize CPT.
Academic Standing and Progress
Maintaining good academic standing is a must for CPT approval. You should be making normal progress toward your degree, following the standards set by your institution and remaining enrolled in classes during your CPT.
If you are placed on academic probation or suspension, you generally lose CPT eligibility. Your academic advisor will check that your participation in CPT will not delay your graduation or interfere with your degree requirements.
Additionally, CPT typically aligns with the academic calendar. You must plan your employment around the semester or quarter system being followed by your school.
Eligible Degree Programs
CPT is available only if your degree program includes an experiential learning component tied to your curriculum, such as internships, cooperative education, or practicum requirements. Undergraduate students often use CPT for internships required by their major.
For graduate students, CPT may be required by the degree program or necessary for thesis research. Not all programs or schools offer CPT, so you need to check your specific program’s structure.
Your school’s designated school official (DSO) must confirm that your employment fits with your degree program and forms an integral part of your official curriculum. More detail on this policy can be found on F-1 Curricular Practical Training program pages.
Major and Course Enrollment
Your CPT employment must be directly related to your major and documented through your course enrollment. In most cases, you will need to register for a specific internship or practicum course.
Your academic advisor or DSO generally needs to approve this course enrollment and confirm the connection between the job and your major. You cannot use CPT for jobs unrelated to your field of study, and your CPT authorization will clearly specify the employer, position, and dates.
Some schools require a learning agreement or employer evaluation to be submitted as part of course requirements. This ensures the work experience you gain aligns with your educational objectives and F-1 regulations.
Schools such as the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley publish detailed CPT guidelines to help you stay compliant.
How CPT Works: Structure and Process
Curricular Practical Training lets you apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world work experiences off campus. You need authorization for CPT participation, and your employment must relate directly to your degree or curriculum requirements.
Internships, Practicum, and Cooperative Education
You can use CPT to participate in internships, practicum courses, or cooperative education programs. These options must be an integral part of your academic program, not just an opportunity for off-campus work.
Internships through CPT are often required or strongly encouraged in many academic fields. You typically need an offer letter outlining your duties, employer, and employment dates.
Your school will review this information to ensure the internship fits your academic plan. Practicum experiences for CPT are hands-on assignments such as clinical rotations in health programs or student teaching in education.
You may enroll in a specific practicum course each semester you participate. Cooperative education programs (co-ops) let you alternate between semesters of study and full-time employment.
These are designed to build your skills in a structured, academic context. CPT eligibility for co-ops depends on your school’s policies and the relevance to your degree.
Research, Thesis, and Dissertation Options
If your academic program requires research, thesis, or dissertation work that involves employment off campus, you may qualify for CPT. The work must be essential to your degree progress and integrated into your curriculum.
You may receive CPT authorization for data collection, collaborative research with industry partners, or independent study connected to your thesis or dissertation. Your academic advisor and department must confirm the necessity of the employment for your research goals.
Sometimes a practicum or research-based course is required for this type of CPT. Always check with your university to ensure your research or dissertation activity meets all CPT requirements found in federal guidelines.
Paid Employment and Job Offers
CPT can be granted for both paid and unpaid positions, as long as the work meets curricular requirements. To get authorization for paid employment, you must have a job offer before you apply for CPT.
Job offers should be in writing and include your position title, dates of employment, and employer’s information. An offer letter is usually required by your Designated School Official (DSO) to process your CPT request.
Employment cannot begin before CPT approval is granted. Both part-time (20 hours or less per week during the school year) and full-time CPT (over 20 hours per week, usually in summer) options exist, but you must follow your school’s specific rules and academic schedule.
For more about how CPT authorization works for paid jobs, review this summary from USC OIS.
Applying for CPT Authorization
To begin working through Curricular Practical Training, you need to follow a detailed application process. This involves specific paperwork, communication with your school, and guidance from an academic advisor to meet all requirements.
CPT Application Process
The CPT application process starts once you’ve secured an internship or employment that directly relates to your degree program. You must apply and receive authorization before you begin working—starting early is crucial.
Contact your school’s international student office or designated official. They’ll guide you through the steps specific to your university and help you submit the necessary CPT request.
Generally, you’ll need to demonstrate that the work is an integral part of your curriculum, such as through a required course, internship, or cooperative education program. Processing times vary, but you should expect your CPT authorization to take up to 15 business days.
For each position or employer, a separate CPT application is needed. You cannot legally begin working until you receive an updated CPT I-20 form showing the endorsement for your specific CPT authorization.
Required Paperwork and E-Forms
Schools often use e-forms to manage the CPT paperwork online. You’ll likely submit a CPT e-form through your university’s international portal.
The most common documents required include:
- Job offer letter—must specify employment details (employer, location, hours, job duties, and dates)
- Proof of course enrollment that connects directly to the CPT opportunity
- Completed CPT application or e-form
Some universities may request additional supporting documents or confirmations. Always check in with your international student services, as incomplete paperwork can slow your approval process.
Once approved, your Designated School Official (DSO) will issue a new CPT I-20 form, which you must keep for your records and show to your employer as proof of work authorization.
Role of Academic Advisors
Your academic advisor is essential during the CPT process. They verify that the proposed employment relates directly to your program of study and that you meet curriculum requirements.
Advisors often help by reviewing your job offer and confirming your eligibility within your department. Many CPT e-form systems will require an advisor’s digital approval or signature before your application can move forward.
You’ll need to work closely with them to ensure your placement fits academic guidelines. Keep them updated on your proposed employment’s specifics, as their input will directly affect your CPT request’s outcome.
Academic advisors and international student offices work as a team to support your application’s success.
Important Considerations for F-1 Students
Using Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as an F-1 student involves following important rules. You must ensure that your work experience aligns with your academic program and does not risk your visa status.
Off-Campus Employment Authorization
CPT requires formal authorization before you start any off-campus employment. Without this approval, even unpaid internships can put your F-1 status at risk.
Only work that is directly related to your major and considered an integral part of your curriculum is eligible. You must have a job offer in hand, as CPT cannot be approved for speculative positions.
Approval is processed by your school’s Designated School Official (DSO), who will issue a new I-20 form showing CPT authorization dates. Unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), CPT is often tied to your enrollment in a specific course or a required internship.
Review the details of CPT off-campus employment authorization to make sure you are eligible and following the correct steps.
Impacts on Degree Requirements
Any CPT participation must relate to your degree program’s requirements. Many programs require you to earn academic credit, complete a practicum, or fulfill an internship component through CPT.
Some institutions will not allow you to begin CPT until after you have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. Be sure to check if your department has restrictions on how, when, or how much CPT you can use towards your degree.
If you use more than 12 months of full-time CPT, you may lose eligibility for OPT. Carefully map out how any work experience will affect your progress towards graduation and future work opportunities.
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor and your DSO before you commit to a position.
Maintaining F-1 Status
Maintaining your F-1 status while on CPT is crucial. You must remain enrolled as a full-time student during the fall and spring semesters unless you are in the final term and less than a full course load is required.
Work only during the CPT authorization dates recorded on your I-20. Working even one day before authorization or after expiration can lead to status violations.
You are still expected to make normal progress toward your degree. Keep track of your credit hours, course schedules, and ensure employment does not interfere with your academic obligations.
If you change employers, extend your internship, or face unexpected changes, confirm any new employment is first approved by your DSO.
Academic Credit and On-Campus Employment
Most CPT placements require you to enroll in a course directly tied to your employment, or to earn academic credit for the experience. Review your school’s academic catalog or consult your department for specific CPT-course requirements.
On-campus employment does not require CPT authorization. For standard jobs on campus, you may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester without CPT, but any job off-campus—even remote work—requires proper CPT approval.
CPT is not a replacement for casual or unrelated work and must be counted as part of your curriculum. Work closely with both your academic advisor and international office to ensure your CPT experience meets all academic credit and F-1 compliance guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for F1 students to participate in CPT?
You must be in valid F-1 status and have completed at least one full academic year at a U.S. institution before you can apply for CPT. CPT must be directly related to your major and part of your academic program’s established curriculum, such as through an internship, co-op, or practicum experience.
For more information, visit this page about F-1 CPT eligibility.
How does CPT differ from OPT for international students?
CPT is designed to give you hands-on work experience that is part of your established curriculum and must be authorized before you start work. Optional Practical Training (OPT), on the other hand, is more flexible and can be used before or after you graduate, but it is not tied to a specific course or curriculum requirement.
Learn more about these differences at this guide on CPT vs. OPT.
What are the employer requirements for offering a CPT position?
Employers must cooperate with your school to confirm that the job is directly related to your major and satisfies CPT requirements. They may need to provide documentation or sign an agreement with your academic department.
Your school’s international office typically provides guidance on what is needed for employer participation, which you can find explained by universities like the University of Michigan.
How long are F1 students allowed to engage in CPT?
The length of CPT depends on your program and the nature of your academic requirements. CPT can be part-time (20 hours or less per week) during the school year or full-time during academic breaks.
If you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you may lose eligibility for OPT. Details are available through university CPT FAQs.
Are students allowed to receive payment while on CPT?
You are allowed to be paid while working on CPT. Both paid and unpaid positions qualify, as long as they meet your degree program’s requirements and have proper authorization.
The key factor is that the experience is considered an integral part of your curriculum, as discussed by USC’s explanation of CPT.
What is the process to obtain work authorization for CPT?
You must first get a job offer that relates to your major.
Then, you need to work with your international student advisor to request CPT authorization.
Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) will update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 showing CPT authorization before you start working.
Step-by-step instructions are provided on the official CPT guidance page.
