Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to engage in off-campus employment that is an integral part of their academic curriculum, such as internships or cooperative education (co-op) programs. CPT is not available at all universities. CPT must be authorized by the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) and does not require separate approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is not automatically available at all universities. Whether CPT is offered depends first on whether a student’s degree program integrates practical training — like internships or cooperative education — as a required or credit-earning part of the curriculum. Second, the university must have a Designated School Official (DSO) authorized and willing to approve CPT requests and update the student’s I-20 accordingly. Larger research universities often offer CPT, especially in STEM fields. Smaller colleges or programs without built-in work experience requirements may offer limited or no CPT options.
At the University of Cincinnati (UC), for example, a large state university located in Ohio, many College of Engineering and Applied Science programs incorporate CPT. Called cooperative education (co-op), this form of CPT is a mandatory component of the curriculum. For instance, an international student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering may be required to participate in alternating semesters of full-time study and full-time paid co-op employment.
In contrast to CPT, Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 students with the opportunity to gain work experience related to their major field of study, typically after completing their degree. OPT requires an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the issuance of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
In Summary:
It’s important to note that while there is no limit to the number of CPT experiences a student can undertake, accumulating 12 months or more of full-time CPT can affect eligibility for OPT. Therefore, students are advised to plan their practical training experiences carefully in consultation with their academic and international advisors.
More information: Study in the States.