For international students pursuing higher education in the United States, gaining practical work experience can be a critical component of their academic journey. American National University likes to provide students with the real world experience they need in order to succeed in their desired fields by utilizing hands-on learning while working. However, international students on F-1 visas often face challenges when it comes to securing work experience due to visa restrictions. This is where Curricular Practical Training (CPT) comes into play. Understanding CPT and CPT jobs are vital for international students who come to America and ANU and want to maximize their educational experience.
What is Curricular Practical Training?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of off-campus work authorization for F-1 visa students in the United States. It allows students to engage in employment, such as internships, cooperative education programs, or practicum courses, that are directly related to their major or program of study. This hands-on experience is often an integral part of an international student’s educational journey, giving students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting.
CPT is unique because it is tied directly to a student’s coursework. It must be approved by ANU’s institution’s Designated School Official (DSO), [name], on page 2 of Form I-20 before the student can begin working. The work must be an essential part of the academic program. At ANU, it is only authorized for students whose programs have a practicum or experiential learning requirement.
Eligibility for CPT
To qualify for CPT jobs, international students must meet certain criteria. This includes:
- As previously mentioned, the employment must be directly related to the student’s program. It should serve as an integral part of their academic curriculum.
- A Practicum Proposal Form and Employment Offer letter must be submitted in order to be approved.
- Students may not work unless the employment has been authorized on page 2 of Form I-20, regardless if it’s paid or unpaid.
- Students can only work for the employer authorized on their Form I-20. Any change of employment will require a new CPT authorization on their Form I-20 before being able to work for the new employer.
- For Undergraduate Students: those who wish to participate in a practicum experience, an experiential learning track is available after completion of 36 credit hour. Students must speak with their academic advisor for more information on if they qualify.
- For Graduate Students: those who are participating in the practicum, it is mandatory to complete a minimum of 50 hours every term. Students should speak with their academic advisors if they are unsure if their program has a practicum requirement.
Types of CPT
- Part Time: Students can work up to 20 hours per week while their term is in session. There is no limit on how long students can engage in part-time CPT, making it a flexible option for those who want to gain experience without disrupting their academic progress.
- Full Time: Students can work more than 20 hours per week for 12 months. Any student who uses CPT for more than 12 months will not be eligible for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Applying for CPT Jobs
There are several steps students must take in order to earn CPT. It’s important for international students to comply with these steps to ensure compliance with their F-1 visa regulations.
- Obtain a Job Offer: Before applying for CPT, students must have a job offer that is directly related to their field of study. The job offer letter should include details such as the nature of the student’s work, the start and end dates, and the number of hours they will be working each week.
- Approval from the International DSO: Students must seek approval from ANU’s DSO. The DSO will review the job offer to ensure that it aligns with the student’s program and F-1 regulations. Once approved, the DSO will provide an updated Form I-20 reflecting the student’s CPT authorization.
Important Considerations
While CPT offers students valuable opportunities to their academic pursuits, there are several factors they should also consider.
- Impact on OPT: As mentioned earlier, using 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make students ineligible for Post-Completion OPT, a separate work authorization that allows them to work in their field of study after graduation.
- Timing: The CPT application can take time for approvals, so it is essential to plan ahead. Students should start the process far before their intended educational start date to ensure they have all the approvals they need in place.
- Legal Compliance: It’s crucial to ensure all work is authorized under CPT to avoid any visa violations. Unauthorized work could jeopardize the student’s visa status and future opportunities in the U.S. Our advisors work with their students to ensure every approval is in place.
- Work off Campus: Students at ANU are not forced to work only jobs on campus. As long as students get a job offer that fits the requirements, they can work anywhere that fits their field of study.
Benefits of CPT
CPT jobs are an invaluable asset to ANU’s international students. It provides them with some key benefits, including:
- Real World Experience: CPT allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. This gives them practical experience that enhances their resumes and allows them to prepare them for future careers. Hands-on learning is essential to every program so that students can jump into the work force without fear. For ANU alumna, Gaby Anes, “I have had the chance to implement the knowledge acquired in [my] classes into the real working world.”
- Professional Networking: Working anywhere will allow you to build networking opportunities. Students in CPT will get a chance to make connections with people in their field that can help them in the job market post-graduation.
- Enhanced Employability: Gaining relevant work experience during their academic program allows international students to build their resume. Work experience is vital to any field, and this can make students more competitive in the global job market.
- Early Career Exploration: Students gaining exposure to their field while studying can give them more insight into what they wish to do after graduation. Gaby says, “I found a new path to follow in my professional career…and the only way I could have found that was through ANU and CPT.”
- Earning Income: While CPT is mainly for educational experience, it also allows students to earn an income. This is essential for an international student to offset living expenses or reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
International Students Should Consider Maximizing their US Education with CPT
Curricular Practical Training is an essential tool for international students who want to make the most of their educational experience in the United States. Whether pursuing part-time or full-time CPT, international students can use this opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, setting themselves up for success in a competitive global job market. American National University wants to provide our international students with every opportunity they can have in order to be successful in the United States. To learn more, go to an.edu/international or call us at 833.388.1100 to speak to an admissions advisor.
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