International college students, this program is for you! The part-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Program is an opportunity to earn some money while doing the job you鈥檙e learning about in school. Let鈥檚 get into what makes you eligible.
Eligible CPT Program participants
The US offers non-citizens with F-1 visa status the chance to participate in the CPT Program.
Firstly, what鈥檚 an F-1 Visa? An refers to the visa granted to foreign nationals who are pursuing full-time academic studies at a US educational institution. These students must maintain a full course load, demonstrate academic progress, and comply with all relevant immigration regulations. So, to be eligible for this program, you鈥檙e already a full-time student in the US.
Additionally, the CPT Program is specifically for students already fluent in English. If you鈥檙e here studying in the English Language Institute, this program isn鈥檛 for you.
It鈥檚 also not for US citizens. But citizens looking for a similar experience can pursue internships鈥攑aid or unpaid鈥攖hrough university career services or by contacting employers directly. Some academic programs even include practical training as a required component.
All about the CPT Program
So, if you鈥檙e an international F-1 student looking to work while pursuing your studies, read on. Participation in the program is contractual and doesn鈥檛 last forever, so it鈥檚 always good to know your options.
On the , authorization can be approved for one employer for a specific time period. Don鈥檛 delay getting all the proper signatures, because the paperwork must be authorized before day one on the job.
Tracking hours is another crucial element. The F-1 visa defines the particulars of being a full-time student as one enrolled with a minimum of 12 credit hours. So the weekly number of part-time CPT hours is 20 max, a key guideline that part-time CPT students must follow. Striking a balance is necessary, so find time to relax and have a little fun.
What the CPT Program is not
The CPT Program is not the OPT Program. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. They also require forms from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The CPT Program is also different from a Day-1 CPT Program, which allows international students with an F-1 visa to work off-campus from the very first day of their academic program.
At UB, we encourage students to immerse themselves in their area of study for a full academic year before applying for the CPT Program. Doing so helps students gain confidence in a new environment and fosters excitement about starting to tangibly implement their knowledge.
How to enroll in the part-time CPT Program
Given the extensive paperwork required for college applications in the United States, it is advisable to start at least a year in advance. After completing the first academic year in the US, you can also apply to the CPT Program three weeks prior to your desired entry date.
Applicants must have the following minimum GPA to apply: 2.5 (Undergraduate)and a 3.0 (Graduate). Keep an eye out for application updates; they are typically sent via email.
Participation in the part-time CPT Program can last up to two years. Frequently asked questions include, 鈥淐an I work full-time on my CPT?鈥� and “What are the part-time CPT limits?” Some schools do allow students to work full-time, but consequently, the time permitted in the CPT Program is reduced to 11 months.
If you鈥檙e motivated to gain as much hands-on experience as possible or just need the extra cash, consider working full-time in the summer or on school breaks, without affecting your program status. Remember, those administrative officials are and were wise in creating the part-time CPT Program.
With students limited to working only part-time CPT hours (20 per week), there鈥檚 still plenty of time left in the week for studying and enjoying the recreational activities we previously mentioned.
Necessary forms & their fees
- Purpose: Application for a Social Security number
- Fee: $0
- Purpose: Verifies identity and work eligibility
- Fee: $0
- Purpose: Certificate of eligibility for F-1 status
- Fee: $0
- Purpose: Arrival/departure record (specifically need to apply if you intend to enter the country by land or selected ferry; if entering by air or sea, these are automatically generated for you)
- Fee: Free, up to $24
- Purpose: Registration in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s student tracking system
- Fee: $350
Job details
At 越南直播, we are flexible about where you can work. Find a job on or off campus, or even online. Understand, too, that other universities might have more restrictions on a job鈥檚 location. If you have ways to travel and want to be off-campus, just remember that employers must be within a 100-mile radius.
Working in a residential setting or as an independent contractor isn鈥檛 an option, so keep looking for that perfect fit in a commercial setting. And great news, no visa 鈥渟ponsorship鈥� is required by employers.
The type of work chosen can also look like: work study, an internship (paid or not), cooperative education, or practicums that are offered through agreements between employers and schools.
Gaining experience is truly invaluable, but we all love cash in our pockets. That first check might hurt a little, but be grateful to be exempt from paying Social Security or Medicare taxes. Local, state, or federal ones are still owed (after being on U.S. soil for five years, tax rules change). And on April 15, be sure to file a tax return. If you have additional questions or need more information, we鈥檙e happy to chat with you.
Is a CPT Program right for you?
At 越南直播, our part-time CPT Program is available to help students gain real-world experience aligned with their career goals. Our academic offerings span a wide range of disciplines鈥攆rom Artificial Intelligence and Marketing to Psychology and STEM鈥攕o there鈥檚 a good chance you鈥檒l find one of our programs that interests you. If one does speak to you, when you鈥檙e ready, we invite you to take the next step and apply.
If you’re joining us from outside the US, know that our CPT Program is designed to support you on your life journey. We welcome students of all ages around the world to be a part of our campus community.