Getting real-world experience is essential to building a career after graduation. Curricular practical training (CPT) lets international students work legally during their studies while staying compliant with F-1 visa rules. Used correctly, CPT can help you land internships, build your resume and even set the stage for long-term employment.
Here you can find out how CPT works, what you need to qualify, common mistakes to avoid and how CPT fits into a bigger career strategy for international student employment.
What is curricular practical training (CPT)?
CPT allows international students to work off campus in jobs or internships that are an integral part of their academic program. It must be related directly to your major, either for course credit or because your program requires it. CPT helps you turn your academic learning into hands-on professional experience, often while still finishing your degree.
Key facts about CPT:
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Who qualifies for CPT?
Not every F-1 student can immediately use CPT. Here are the general CPT rules for F-1 visa holders:
Academic eligibility
You must complete one full academic year (usually two semesters) at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) before you become eligible. The only exception is if your graduate program requires practical training from day one.
Job eligibility
The job must be directly related to your major field of study. For example, if you’re a data science major, a marketing internship would likely not qualify unless you’re doing technical data analysis.
Credit or program requirement
You typically must register for a class tied to your CPT employment or demonstrate that the internship fulfills a formal program requirement.
Offer letter requirement
You must have a written job offer before you can apply for CPT authorization. The letter must include your job title, responsibilities, employer information and work dates.
Work authorization limits
Impact on OPT eligibility
If you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you lose eligibility for post-completion OPT. Keeping CPT part time during your studies is usually the safer long-term strategy unless full-time work is a program requirement.
MPOWER Financing: Supporting your work and study goals
MPOWER Financing knows that gaining hands-on experience is critical for international students who want to succeed after graduation. That’s why MPOWER provides resources to help you find internships and postgraduate jobs. Our loans are designed for flexibility – so you don’t have to choose between studying and supporting yourself.
What makes MPOWER different for working students:
MPOWER understands that international students have many roles: learner, intern, employee and future professional. We’re here to support you in all of them.
How CPT fits into a successful career plan
CPT is not just about working while studying – it can be a key building block for long-term success.
Skill development
Practical experience helps you apply what you’re learning in class to real-world projects, improving both technical skills and soft skills like communication and teamwork.
Stronger job prospects after graduation
Employers prefer candidates who already have U.S. work experience. Completing CPT internships signals that you’re familiar with U.S. workplace culture and expectations, making you more competitive when applying for jobs for international students in the U.S. after graduation.
Networking and employer relationships
CPT often opens doors beyond the internship itself. Strong performance can lead to OPT job offers, H-1B sponsorship opportunities or full-time permanent roles.
Smoother OPT transition
Students who use CPT strategically often have an easier time transitioning into OPT roles because they already have U.S.-based references and industry contacts.
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FAQs
Plan to apply at least two to three months before your intended start date. Processing time can vary based on your school’s policies.
Possibly. Some schools allow remote CPT internships if they meet all other requirements. Check with your DSO for school-specific guidelines.
Only if it meets all CPT criteria: major-related, academic connection (credit or program requirement) and authorized by your DSO. Simply working for free does not guarantee CPT eligibility.
Yes. You can have multiple CPT authorizations for different employers, but each must be approved separately by your DSO before you begin work.
You must notify your DSO immediately. They may need to update your SEVIS record to reflect the change.
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