Everything You Should Know About CPT Approval

Do you want to work while earning your master’s or doctoral degree in the US? Then Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for you! With Day 1 CPT, international students can join internships and gain work experience during their studies. You just need to find a suitable university that offers the course you want and pick a job that is relevant to it. Additionally, you must be aware of CPT approval requirements for a successful application.

But you don’t have to look further for information. This guide will share everything you must know about CPT for smooth approval.

Understanding CPT

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), international students studying in the US can join internships after or during their studies to strengthen their skills and knowledge and gain valuable work experience. Currently, the USCIS allows two internships:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - Designed for students currently enrolled in a degree program.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Applicable for students who have graduated or are about to graduate. OPT allows students to work in a field directly related to their area of study for up to one year (with additional extension possibilities for STEM students).

What’s the difference? CPT approval comes from the school, while OPT requires the school’s preliminary review and the USCIS’s final approval. Essentially, CPT is a simpler process because you don’t need to seek the immigration bureau’s approval.

Employment authorization

An accredited CPT university can start your CPT process without requiring approval from the USCIS. Moreover, the school itself can give authorization for your training. To start this process, you need to apply for CPT at the school’s international student services office, providing them with your job offer. Processing time typically takes between two to three weeks.

Once your university approves your CPT, they will issue a new I-20 form. You must then check and confirm the employer information found on the second page of this form. Remember, it's crucial that you wait until the effective date listed for your CPT before you commence your work!

What kinds of work can you do?

The work must be directly related to your area of study. You can pursue both paid and unpaid internships, participate in a cooperative (co-op) education program, or complete a practicum. These opportunities allow you to apply what you're learning in your degree program to a practical work environment.

Need help?

CPT approval should be a breeze with guidance from professionals who can navigate the process. Check with the expert consultants at CPTDog. They have a proven track record in helping international students study in the US with authorized Day 1 CPT programs. Plus, CPTDog is partnered with many accredited Day 1 CPT universities. Get in touch today!

About The Company

CPTDog is an education consultancy based in Southern California, USA. We are the official partner of many US higher education institutions. Many university programs we work with specifically provide international students with Day 1 CPT, a type of work authorization that allows international students to work full-time during the duration of their Master's, Certificate, or Doctorate program. Our mission is to help those not selected for H1B or who have an expired OPT to legally study and work in the US.

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