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Curricular practical training (CPT): How international students can work during their studies

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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:

  • Directly tied to academics: CPT cannot be “just any job”  – it must be connected to your program’s learning objectives.
  • Authorized through your university: You must get CPT approval through your designated school official (DSO) before starting any job.
  • Employer-specific: Your CPT authorization will specify your employer’s name, your job description and your employment dates.
  • No U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) application needed: Unlike optional practical training (OPT), CPT is handled internally by your university’s international office, making it faster to get approved.
International student holding a job offer letter while discussing CPT paperwork with a professor in a university office.

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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

  • Part-time CPT: Up to 20 hours per week during academic terms
  • Full-time CPT: More than 20 hours per week, usually allowed during summer or school break

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:

  • Borrow only what you need – MPOWER no cosigner student loans start at just US$2,001.
  • Use funds for tuition, or when in the U.S. living expenses – without needing a cosigner.
  • Build U.S. credit history while making on-time loan payments.
  • Access expert U.S. student visa guidance and job search support through our Path2Success program.
  • Get a free visa support letter when applying for your study permit.

MPOWER understands that international students have many roles: learner, intern, employee and future professional. We’re here to support you in all of them.

Overhead view of a student’s desk showing CPT documents, a calendar marked with the internship start date and a checklist.

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

How early should I apply for CPT?

Plan to apply at least two to three months before your intended start date. Processing time can vary based on your school’s policies.

Can I work remotely under CPT?

Possibly. Some schools allow remote CPT internships if they meet all other requirements. Check with your DSO for school-specific guidelines.

Is unpaid work eligible for CPT?

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.

Can I have more than one CPT authorization?

Yes. You can have multiple CPT authorizations for different employers, but each must be approved separately by your DSO before you begin work.

What happens if my internship ends early?

You must notify your DSO immediately. They may need to update your SEVIS record to reflect the change.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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