Curricular Practical Training

1. Curricular Practical Training International Student Services Revised February 6, 2014

2. What is CPT? Curricular Practical Training is specific work authorization to give F-1 international students permission to work off campus in paid or unpaid positions when the work meets an academic requirement. CPT is only available prior to degree completion and after a student has completed one academic year in their program of study. CPT is usually used to support a Co-Op or departmental internship opportunity. It may also be used for doctoral students requiring field experience for their dissertation.

3. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) Since F-1 students are in the United States on a student visa, they are not authorized for employment in the US. However, certain provisions do exist within the Code of Federal Regulations to allow students certain employment opportunities. Curricular Practical Training is authorized by 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)

4. Employment Categories for F-1 Students Employment categories for F-1 international students include: • On Campus Employment • Limited to 20 hours per week in the Spring and Fall semesters and can be up to 40 hours during the summer and official university breaks. • This is an automatic benefit. No additional immigration authorization is required. • Curricular Practical Training • Off-campus work directly related to the student’s major field of study and an integral part of an established curriculum • Always prior to degree completion • Optional Practical Training • Off-campus work directly related to the student’s major field of study and not required for academic purposes • Usually after degree completion • F-1 Students are eligible for 12 months of Standard OPT at each educational level as long as they are progressing toward higher degrees. • STEM graduates may be eligible for a 17 month STEM extension after Standard OPT

5. Eligibility for CPT There are three requirements for establishing eligibility for CPT. Each of the requirements can be understood by looking at the name: Curricular Opportunity must meet an academic requirement Practical Student must have completed one academic year in their program Training Opportunity must be in student’s major field of study

6. Curricular Practical Training An F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum…. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10) Three Options for Establishing Curricular Component • Enroll in a course • Co-Op, Internship, Practicum, Field Work, etc. • Required for degree completion • Required for graduation, but not a credit • Essential for research • Available for PhD students

7. Curricular Practical Training Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis… for one full academic year… 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10) You must complete one academic year in your program of study. • CPT is the practical application of classroom theory • An academic year is a spring and a fall semester • Time accrued toward this requirement restarts with new program or a new initial I-20

8. Curricular Practical Training An eligible student may request employment authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her major area of study. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10) The work must be in your field of study. • The course you’re enrolling in must be in your declared major • Minors may be approved on a case-by-case basis

9. Applying for CPT Gather information early, apply for CPT at the very end.

10. Preliminary Eligibility • Check with International Student Services • Is this your second degree in the United States? • Have you had previous practical training? • When do you meet the academic year eligibility? • Did you ever receive a new initial I-20? • Check with your Department • Do they offer academic credit for employment? • If so, what are the pre-requisites for the course? • Do they require practical training for degree completion? • Talk to the Office of Cooperative Education • This office helps connect students and employers • Michelle Goza can help you understand the Co-Op process, which works in tandem with CPT regulations.

11. Find a Position • Receive Job Offer Letter • Letter must be signed, on company letterhead with starting date and expected hours per week • The company name must be written according to E-Verify to avoid complications • Enroll in the Course Giving you Academic Credit • See the Office of Cooperative Education to do a Co-Op OR • See your academic advisor to do an internship within your department • Be mindful of registration and Co-Op deadlines • Submit Application for CPT to ISS • Part One: Student Application • Part Two: Advisor Approval • Part Three: Revoking Graduate Assistantship

12. Receive Notification from ISS • F-1 students are not permitted to begin working without the I-20 showing authorization for Curricular Practical Training. • To engage in paid or unpaid work beyond the authorization dates listed on the I-20 is unlawful employment.  • CPT Authorization is: • With a specific employer • During specific dates • For a specific amount of hours per week

13. Common Concerns Is it Confusing Practical Training?

14. Points to Consider • CPT Authorization follows semester dates • You must reapply each semester • Part-time during Spring & Fall, Full-time during Summer • Full-time may be considered in final semester with additional documentation • Limits to CPT eligibility • 12 months of full-time practical training per educational level • 12 months of full-time disqualifies you for OPT • After you’ve received OPT at one level, you cannot do CPT at the same level. • As long as you stay part-time and meet the curricular component, you can receive CPT multiple semesters

15. More Points to Consider • 20 hours per week maximum are for CPT and on-campus employment combined. • If you work 10 hours on campus, you can have CPT for 10 hours per week • You do not receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your authorized I-20 serves as your employment authorization with Human Resources at your company. • When offered the job, ask about E-Verify. Get the name of the employer according to E-Verifyfor your CPT Application to avoid complications.

16. Quick Summary True or False A job that will be great on your resume will qualify for CPT. False. You must also satisfy the curricular component. You can receive CPT after your second full semester. True. One academic year is a fall and a spring semester. You can apply for CPT before receiving the job offer. False. Receive CPT authorization after the opportunity is established ISS creates these rules to keep you from opportunities. False! We definitely want you to have good, legal experiences.

17. Thank youfor viewing CPT Overview. We wish you a successful future of practical training.

18. International Student Services 2801 S. University Avenue EDU 101 Little Rock, AR 72204 internationalservices@ualr.edu 501-683-7566