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

1. 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.
2. 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.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

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Desiree Lyn Go’s Story with ANU

As an international student, Desiree Lyn Go needed an education that was compatible with her work and life. Born in the Philippines, Desiree earned her bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and worked for over a decade in universities as a critical instructor and hospitals in the ICU. This experience, combined with the expansion of online markets like Amazon, inspired Desiree to help others globally. She joined the ranks of American National University to earn her Master of Science in Information Technology to reach her future goals.

Education is an important part of Desiree’s life, “earning an education… it’s something that nobody can steal from us.”

ANU fits with her desires to continue her education without having to disrupt her work or home life. “At ANU, it made me feel like I can do things like work, [and] at the same time, I can study,” she says, “I actually pursued this degree because I want to invest in myself.” With her studies, Desiree can do her schoolwork when it is compatible with her life. “You know you can have the free time. Like I can balance my assignment[s], I can do this ahead of time.”

Desiree chose ANU because of the stability of our institution and the service she received when enrolling in our programs. In stability, she wanted to choose a school “that existed for a long time and not just existed five years ago,” she explains.

“So, when I researched about it, I saw that American National University was built in 1886, and [because] it still exists now, it is stable.” In service, because all of the staff were there and supportive every step of the way. “All my queries were answered, and it runs so smoothly, it made me feel, ‘oh, this is it!’”

she says, “with the service, I’m really glad.” She explains that, for her first time in the United States, she needed guidance from the staff and faculty to help her navigate her environment and education. She was confident that any question she had, her support staff would have answers for her, “that’s what I really like,” she says, “the service and the quick response.”

The benefits she receives at an international student also reaffirmed her decision to enroll at ANU. “It’s one reason why ANU is a really good school,” she explains, “because it helps the students.” We have Day One Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) for international students – and that was definitely the case for Desiree! Her classes begin November 20, 222 and so did her CPT! Her education at ANU is also helping fuel her knowledge and work within her CPT. “Usually in the Philippines, you have to finish a course first before you can [use it]. But here, you’re able to apply what you learned to your job.” She describes that her education is preparing her to enter the workforce because of the class modules and discussions she has with her classmates. She can review them whenever she needs the information. Once she finishes her education, Desiree will be utilizing the same company for her Optional Practical Training (OPT) as she is in a STEM program.

When it comes to her professors, Desiree constantly feels supported and her education is uplifted by them. She describes all of them as approachable – when she has a question, she can always go to them. The professors connect with their students on a personal level. Dr. Joseph Issa is one that she calls out as a memorable educator. At the beginning over every week, he will post a discussion board, and he will respond first. “For me, and for other people, [we] get kind of confused of the topic or we’re not sure, but because he posted something [first], we can get an idea on what the topic should be discussed.” She feels more motivated to continue her education because of the encouragement she receives from her professors.

In the future, Desiree hopes to have an online business, like Amazon, to assist small businesses. She also wants to create a consultation firm to help students earn their education in America so that they can fulfill their dreams.

Desiree recommends ANU to others looking to earn their higher education in America. “Not only for the services, but the quality of education as well,” she says.

“Don’t forget to click the apply now button,” Desiree says to those still looking to make the jump into their ANU education. For those new students at ANU, she says:

“Welcome to ANU, because you made the biggest decision of your life – congratulations!”

Those who have just graduated from ANU, Desiree says:

“Aim high and chin up because we will be graduating in one of the most stabilized schools in the country. We should be proud.”

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“By learning works skills, you become a better student, and the knowledge from classes helps you to become a better worker,” said Juan Carlos Mejia, a student currently enrolled in a CPT program as an international admissions representative for ANU. Other students have worked in roles as accountants, software developers, business process analysts, and web developers during their CPT program.

The difference between CPT and OPT is that CPT is only available to students during their enrollment in academic programs, whereas students are eligible for OPT for one year after graduating from their institution.

CPT fulfills the practicum requirement for students in graduate programs at ANU. Students must therefore find a sponsoring employer to offer them a temporary position that conforms with the student’s curriculum requirements. The approval is as simple as sending the practicum form and employment offer letter to the student’s academic department chair.  Because ANU’s graduate curricula include a practicum, it is possible for students to start CPT from day one of their programs, subject to departmental approval.

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