What criteria must I meet to be eligible for CPT as an F-1 student in the USA?
To be eligible for CPT, you typically need one full academic year of full-time enrolment, a confirmed training offer, curriculum-linked work and an SEVP-certified school. ESL students do not qualify. Your designated school official must authorise CPT in SEVIS before you start working.
Curricular Practical Training lets you gain work experience tied directly to your academic program, but only certain students qualify. A designated school official can authorise CPT only after confirming that you meet specific conditions.
CPT Eligibility Conditions
| Criterion | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full-time enrolment | Lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year first, unless your graduate program requires practical training earlier |
| Not in ESL | Students studying English as a second language do not qualify |
| Training offer | A confirmed position with a specific employer before the school can authorise CPT |
| Curriculum link | The work must relate directly to your major and form an integral part of the curriculum |
| School status | Only SEVP-certified colleges, universities, conservatories or seminaries can authorise CPT |
Important Rules Before You Start
- CPT must be authorised in SEVIS before you start work.
- It applies only to training completed inside the United States.
- Completing a full year of full-time CPT means you lose your OPT eligibility.
- Rules are updated from time to time, so check the official page for the latest guidance.
My Advice
Speak to your designated school official before you accept any internship so that the offer, the dates and your curriculum link are all confirmed. Never begin work before the authorisation shows in SEVIS, and keep track of how much full-time CPT you use so OPT stays available.
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