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• Purpose: CPT is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study through internships, cooperative education programs, or other types of work experience. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world professional settings.
• Eligibility: To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in an academic program for at least one academic year (nine months) and must have maintained valid F-1 status. They must also receive authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO) and have a job offer related to their major field of study.
• Duration: CPT can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during the academic year. There is no limit to the duration of part-time CPT, but full-time CPT for 12 months or more makes students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), another type of work authorization available to F-1 students.
• Application Process: Students must apply for CPT through their designated school official (DSO) at their academic institution. The DSO will evaluate the student's eligibility and may issue a new Form I-20 with the CPT authorization noted on it. Students must have this authorization before beginning any work under CPT.
• Types of CPT: There are two types of CPT: "Required CPT" and "Optional CPT." Required CPT is for internships or work experiences that are required by the academic program for completion of degree requirements. Optional CPT is for internships or work experiences that are not required but are related to the student's major field of study.
• Employment Restrictions: CPT employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study listed on their Form I-20. Students may not begin employment until they have received proper authorization and may not exceed the authorized hours of work.
• Impact on OPT: Engaging in 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same academic level. However, part-time CPT and full-time CPT for less than 12 months do not affect OPT eligibility.

Overall, CPT provides valuable opportunities for international students in the USA to gain practical work experience and enhance their professional skills while pursuing their academic studies. It is an essential component of many academic programs and can help students prepare for future career opportunities.