Curricular Practical Training & Jobs for F1 Students

Key aspects of CPT include:

• Must be directly related to the student’s major.

• Can be paid or unpaid.

• Requires prior approval from the school’s DSO.

• Must be authorized before employment begins.

• Full-time CPT for 12 months or more removes eligibility for OPT.

Our Curricular Practical Training (CPT) training program is specifically designed to help international F1 students gain hands-on experience in their field of study. We guide students through every aspect—from understanding CPT rules to securing a compliant job and handling all paperwork.

Our CPT training includes:

• Personalized consultation to evaluate CPT options.

• Industry-specific resume and interview training.

• Guidance on aligning job roles with academic programs.

• Offer letter formatting and documentation for university approval.

• Support with compliance, timelines, and ongoing status maintenance.

Whether you're aiming for a part-time CPT during semesters or full-time CPT during breaks, our training ensures you’re job-ready and immigration-compliant.

To be eligible for CPT, a student must meet several important requirements:

• Must be enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college or university.

• Must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in the U.S. (unless the program requires immediate CPT).

• Must maintain valid F1 status.

• CPT must be a required or integral part of the academic program.

• The training opportunity must be directly related to the student's major field of study.

• Must obtain written authorization from the DSO and reflect the CPT on the student’s I-20 form.

There are typically two categories of CPT:

• Required CPT: This is mandatory for all students in a particular program and is required for graduation.

• Optional CPT: Not required for graduation but offered as an academic credit or course component.

Transitioning from a standard F-1 student to CPT status involves a structured process. We help bridge that transition by working with both you and your university's Designated School Official (DSO).

This transition includes:

• Identifying a job aligned with your major.

• Getting approval from your university for CPT participation.

• Receiving CPT authorization on your Form I-20 before starting employment.

We act as your support system to ensure your CPT status is activated legally and smoothly.

Here’s what you’ll need at each stage of your CPT journey:

Stage 1: Pre-Application

• Valid F-1 visa status.

• Completed one full academic year (in most cases).

• Enrolled in a CPT-eligible academic program.

• Understanding of CPT limitations (e.g., not exceeding 12 months of full-time CPT if planning to apply for OPT later).

Stage 2: During CPT Application

• Official job offer related to your field of study.

• Employer details including work location, duties, and duration.

• Confirmation from your academic department that CPT is integral to your course.

Stage 3: Post-CPT Approval

• CPT mentioned and authorized on your I-20.

• Adherence to CPT work hours (20 hrs/week for part-time; over 20 hrs/week for full-time).

• Continued full-time enrollment in academic program.

Stage 1: Eligibility to Apply

• Must hold a valid F-1 visa.

• Must be enrolled full-time in a SEVP-approved college or university.

• Must have completed one academic year in the U.S. (unless immediate CPT is a program requirement).

Stage 2: Eligibility to Secure CPT

•Must secure a job or internship directly related to your major.

• Must be in good academic standing.

• CPT must be required or credit-bearing as part of your curriculum.

Stage 3: Eligibility to Maintain CPT

• Must maintain academic enrollment during CPT.

• Must not exceed work hours allowed under CPT (especially for part-time).

• Must not engage in CPT before DSO approval is granted.

Stage 1: Before Applying

• Valid passport and F-1 visa.

• Form I-20.

• University enrollment verification.

• Academic transcript.

Stage 2: During Application

• Job offer letter with full details (on employer letterhead).

• CPT Request Form (from your university).

• Course registration showing CPT is part of curriculum.

Stage 3: Post-Approval

• Updated Form I-20 showing CPT authorization.

• CPT Employer Agreement (if required).

• Proof of continued enrollment.

We assist you with preparing and organizing all these documents in the correct format required by universities and USCIS regulations.

Here is a simplified breakdown of the CPT application and approval process, where we guide you every step of the way:

Stage 1: Preparation

• We assess your eligibility.

• Help you search and secure a CPT-compliant job.

• Review your job offer to match university and USCIS guidelines.

Stage 2: University Coordination

• Help you fill out CPT request forms.

• Provide employer documents in the correct format.

• Coordinate with your academic advisor and DSO.

• Ensure proper course enrollment for CPT credit (if required).

Stage 3: CPT Authorization

• University DSO approves CPT and updates your I-20.

• You receive the new I-20 with CPT work authorization.

• You begin work only after the CPT start date listed on your I-20.

Stage 4: Post-CPT Support

• We assist you with any mid-employment changes or renewals.

• Support with maintaining CPT compliance.

• Help you plan for future OPT or H-1B pathways after CPT.