CPT for Indian students studying in the U.S.

Internships can be an important part of your college or graduate degree, providing hands-on experience and valuable skills essential for your future career. However, as an Indian student in the U.S., work requirements and visa restrictions can make it harder to find internships. That’s where curricular practical training (CPT) can be such a valuable option. CPT for Indian students allows you to gain practical experience in your field of study while staying compliant with your F-1 visa. In this guide, we’ll discuss what CPT is, the benefits of CPT internships, and how to find CPT opportunities.

1. Curricular practical training (CPT) statistics in 2023:In FY 2023, there were 539,382 international students working under OPT, STEM OPT and CPT. Unlike the H-1B visa, which has an annual cap, these programmes do not have a limit on the number of participants. 276,452 students in OPT, 122,101 in STEM OPT and 140,829 in CPT. Source: Business Standard 2025
2. A sharp increase in Indian students studying abroadThe number of Indians studying abroad has surged by 52.2% in the last five years, increasing from 586,337 in 2019 to 892,989 in 2023. The United States remains the top destination, hosting 234,473 Indian students, followed closely by Canada (233,532 students, a 76% increase) and the United Kingdom (136,921 students). This trend reflects the growing global mobility of Indian students seeking quality education and career opportunities abroad.Source: Hindustan Times – Over 50% Increase in Indians Studying Abroad
3. Total number of Indian students in the U.S. (2023-2024):Indian students now form the largest international student group in the U.S., with a record-breaking 331,602 students in 2023-2024. This surge reflects a growing trend of Indian students seeking world-class education and better career opportunities in the U.S.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report

CPT is a type of work authorisation for international students that allows you to work in jobs related to your field of study. It can be part time or full time and must be directly related to your academic programme.

As an Indian student, CPT is designed to help you get experience in your field while you’re still enrolled in school. It’s an excellent way to apply classroom learning to real-world settings and enhance your professional skills. However, before you start CPT, you must get approval from your school, and your internship must be considered an essential part of your academic curriculum.

Requirements of CPT for Indian students

You must meet the following requirements to qualify for CPT for Indian students:

• Enrolment status: You must be enrolled in a full-time degree programme at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Complete one year of study: You must have completed at least one academic year (two semesters), unless your programme requires immediate participation in practical training.
• Job relevance: The CPT position must be directly related to your field of study.
• School authorisation: You must obtain approval from your designated school official (DSO) and receive an updated Form I-20 before starting work.
• Credit requirement: In some cases, CPT must be taken for academic credit as part of your curriculum.

The difference between CPT and OPT

While CPT for Indian students allows you to work during your studies, optional practical training (OPT) jobs for international students are typically done after graduation. OPT is a temporary work authorisation that allows you to gain experience in your field of study after completing your degree. OPT internships may last up to 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension available for students in STEM fields.

There are several additional differences between CPT and OPT.

• Timing: CPT is available while you’re still studying, while OPT is usually performed after graduation.
• Work hours: CPT can be part time or full time, but full-time CPT for 12 months can make you ineligible for OPT.
• Approval process: CPT requires approval from your school. OPT requires authorisation from the U.S. government.
• Flexibility: While CPT must be tied to an academic course, OPT jobs for international students offer more flexibility in choosing opportunities related to your field of study after graduation.

Both programmes provide valuable work permits for international students to gain experience in their fields.

Internships for international students in the USA through CPT offer several benefits:

• Gain valuable real-world experience that enhances your resume. Participating in internships lets you apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in the classroom to practical work settings, making your resume more appealing to future employers. Employers value hands-on experience, so having internship experience can help you stand out in the job market.
• Build a professional network in your industry. Internships help you meet industry professionals and establish valuable connections that may lead to future job opportunities. Networking with professionals in your field can connect you with mentors, secure job referrals and gain insights into industry trends.
• Improve your understanding of U.S. workplace culture. Interning in a professional environment in the U.S. can help you learn about workplace etiquette, communication styles and teamwork dynamics. Understanding these aspects of workplace culture can help you integrate smoothly into future work settings.

Finding internships based on CPT for Indian students can take some time and effort, but there are several ways to increase your chances.

1. University career services: Many universities have career centres that offer job listings, resume reviews and interview preparation tailored to Indian students. Career advisors can provide guidance on creating a strong application and help you understand employer expectations, making it easier to find CPT opportunities.
2. Networking: Attend career fairs, talk to professors, and connect with professionals in your field to increase your chances of finding CPT opportunities. Building a strong professional network can lead to valuable referrals and inside knowledge about job openings.
3. Online job boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed and specialised job portals include many international student job opportunities. These sites often let you filter searches based on your eligibility for CPT roles. Regularly updating your profile and engaging with job postings may increase your visibility with potential employers and improve your chances of finding a position.
4. Internship programmes: Some companies have established internship programmes designed specifically for Indian students. These typically offer structured training and may lead to long-term employment opportunities. Researching companies with a track record of hiring Indian students can help you focus your search on employers familiar with CPT requirements.
5. Professional associations: Joining professional associations related to your field of study may give you access to exclusive job postings, networking events and career development resources. These associations often offer mentorship programmes and workshops that can give you an edge in your job search.

MPOWER Financing was founded in 2014 to provide international student resources to help remove the financial obstacles often faced by global citizens studying abroad. In addition to helping Indian students finance their education, MPOWER offers career guidance and visa support through its Path2Success program. When you work with MPOWER, you can take advantage of free visa services, including visa support letters and a visa preparation course, as well as career services that include guidance on searching for internships and jobs through CPT, OPT and H-1B sponsorships.

In addition to the Path2Success programme, MPOWER offers:

• Flexible loans: Borrow up to US$100,000 (INR 83,33,000) for studies at 500+ U.S. and Canadian universities.
• Scholarships: A range of scholarship opportunities for international and DACA students.