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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International Student Services

» Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to engage in an off-campus training opportunity to gain work experience in a field related to their major. Training can be unpaid or paid. CPT permits students to engage in off-campus training during their program of study once they meet the eligibility requirements. 

Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)

Students must obtain authorization from a Designation School Official (DSO) in the office of International Student Services and the academic department to participate in CPT.  CPT approval is required on the Form I-20 before beginning the training. Engaging in unauthorized off-campus training is a violation of F-1 student status.

 


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Understanding the differences between volunteering and employment 

  • Immigration regulations characterize employment as providing “services or labor for an employer for wages or other remuneration.”  The term “remuneration” is very broad and could include non-monetary benefits, such as free housing, food, gifts, etc.
  • The Department of Labor defines a volunteer as an “individual who performs hours of service… for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered.”

To be considered a volunteer, the work performed by the individual must meet the following criteria:

  • No expectation of compensation.
  • The volunteer cannot displace a genuine employee, and the services provided by the volunteer should not be the same services for which he or she was previously paid and/or expects to be hired and paid for in the future.
  • Services are performed for non-profit organizations for the public service, religious or humanitarian objective.

  


International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.

Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.

Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.