Foreign students in F-1 nonimmigrant status may work on campus without the approval of a designated school official (DSO) or USCIS. To complete Form I-9, these students may present a combination of their unexpired foreign passport and Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status as an acceptable List A document.
Full Answer
When to complete CPT section 1 on Form I-9?
Completing Section-1 of the Form I-9 for CPT & OPT Students An F-1 nonimmigrant student may begin CPT after the Designated School Official (DSO) has authorized CPT on the student’s Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
How do I Complete Form I-9 as an F-1 student?
To complete Form I-9, these students may present a combination of their unexpired foreign passport and Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status as an acceptable List A document. Locations where F-1 students may work include:
How long does it take to get CPT after F1 visa?
It may take ISS 15 business days to review and approve a student’s CPT request. An F-1 student must request authorization from the school at which they are enrolled full-time with their F-1 I-20. A student must have CPT authorization before they can start their practical training experience.
When to start CPT for F-1 nonimmigrant student?
An F-1 nonimmigrant student may begin CPT after the Designated School Official (DSO) has authorized CPT on the student’s Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. As an employer, it is your responsibility to share the Form I-9’s section-1 with these new hires on the date of hire.
How do I complete an I-9 on a F-1 visa?
Foreign students in F-1 nonimmigrant status may work on campus without the approval of a designated school official (DSO) or USCIS. To complete Form I-9, these students may present a combination of their unexpired foreign passport and Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status as an acceptable List A document.
Is I-9 required for CPT?
Is Form I-9 needed for CPT & OPT employees? Yes. The purpose of the I-9 is to help employers verify the identity and employment authorization of each person they hire. Every new employee hired after November 6, 1986, is required to have an I-9 form.
Is CPT an employment authorization document?
Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific period of time. Student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized. CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work. Student can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time.
What is CPT for F-1 students?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for employment (whether it is paid or unpaid), such as internship or co-op, for F-1 international students to receive further training. It is designed to achieve an established academic objective and is directly related to the student's degree level and major.
How long does CPT approval take?
1-2 weeksCPT authorization takes 1-2 weeks for the IC to process and requires several documents that may take you time to compile. Meet with your Academic or Faculty Advisor to discuss your CPT plans in detail.
How long is CPT for international students?
There is no time limit to CPT, while full-time OPT is limited to one year. It is possible to do part-time OPT while still in the middle of a program of study, but most students are also eligible for CPT so it is very rare for students to apply for OPT before they complete their required semester hours.
Can I hire CPT students?
No employer sponsorship needed, but the application does require the employer to provide a CPT letter. Students must be enrolled full-time for one academic year before they can apply. CPT can only be used before a student completes their degree/graduates.
Does CPT require employer signature?
- CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or letter from the employer.
Is CPT considered sponsorship?
CPT is not a separate visa category and does not require “sponsorship” from an employer. However, the student must have a practical training offer from the employer before they can apply for CPT authorization.
What do you need for CPT?
To obtain CPT, a student must:Be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year). ... Secure an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to the student's field of study. ... Obtain CPT authorization BEFORE beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated.More items...
Can CPT work full-time?
You can work on CPT either full-time or part-time. CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from your employer. If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.
Can I work 40 hours on CPT?
3. During break periods between quarters and during the summer break, you are eligible for full-time CPT (up to 40 hours/week). However, the combined total work hours of both on-campus work and CPT are not to exceed 40 hours per week.
Is I-20 employment authorization?
The DSO-endorsed Form I-20 with the student's Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status is evidence of employment authorization.
What is difference between OPT and CPT?
CPT & OPT FAQs CPT must be required or, if not required, you must receive CPT or internship course credit. OPT is optional for any student who meets the eligibility requirements and you do not need to earn credit. OPT is not employer specific and is usually done after you graduate.
What is CPT immigration status?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) status allows international students with a F-1 student visa to gain work experience through employment training and paid internship programs directly related to your major area of study.
Can I do a contract job on CPT?
Call for a Consultation Normally for CPT the answer is no, but for OPT it is yes.
When do I send section 1 of I-9?
As per the norm, your student employee should complete section-1 by the end of first day of work.
What is the purpose of an I-9?
The purpose of the I-9 is to help employers verify the identity and employment authorization of each person they hire. Every new employee hired after November 6, 1986, is required to have an I-9 form. So, employers should complete I-9s for students who are working on either CPT or OPT.
Why do employers need to keep I-9s?
Form I-9s are exclusively for those employees who work for remuneration. Even after decades of its existence, employers still struggle to ensure I-9 compliance. This is due to the complications involved in staying up-to-date with it or due to lack of awareness about Form I-9 instructions. Let the experts guide you.
Why do employers struggle with I-9?
This is due to the complications involved in staying up-to-date with it or due to lack of awareness about Form I-9 instructions. Let the experts guide you.
Can I do CPT on an F-1?
An F-1 nonimmigrant student may begin CPT after the Designated School Official (DSO) has authorized CPT on the student’s Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. As an employer, it is your responsibility to share the Form I-9’s section-1 with these new hires on the date of hire. You can also send this section for completion once your new hire accepts the job offer, but not before.
When does the cap gap end for F-1?
This Cap-gap period ends on September 30th of the year you filed Form I-129, but only if the student’s H-1B status begins on Oct. 1.
When should student employees complete section 1?
As per the norm, your student employee should complete section-1 by the end of first day of work. This section includes employee information and the employee must complete this section with utmost accuracy to prevent any violations and penalties. It includes employee information like last name, first name, middle initial, other last names used, along with their address and date of birth.
What form do I use to get CPT?
A student may begin CPT after the designated school official (DSO) authorizes CPT on the student’s Form I-20 , Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
What is an I-9 list?
For Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, purposes, the combination of the following documents is considered a List A document that shows both identity and employment authorization:
What is CPT in school?
Curricular practical training (CPT) allows F-1 students to accept paid alternative work/study employment, internships, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that employers offer through cooperative agreements with the student’s school. The training must be related to the student’s major area of study.
What section of I-9 should the employer enter information from the employee?
In Section 2 of Form I-9, the employer should enter information from the employee’s:
Do nonimmigrants need to present additional documents to prove work authorization?
Certain nonimmigrants and exchange visitors who present a List A document, must also present additional documents to prove their work authorization in the United States .
Can a J-1 exchange visitor work after the end date?
The J-1 exchange visitor cannot work after the program end date on this form. J-1 students may present the documents above if they also have a letter from the responsible officer authorizing employment. In Section 2 of Form I-9, the employer should enter information from the employee’s: Unexpired foreign passport;
Can I present a list B and C document in CPT?
A student participating in CPT may choose to present a List B and List C document instead of a List A document. For example, a state driver’s license (List B document and, under List C #7, a Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status with a properly endorsed Form I-20.
What is practical training for F-1 students?
Some F-1 students are eligible for practical training. There are two types of F-1 practical training: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT). Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study. Training is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum.
When does CPT have to be authorized?
Student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized. CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work.
What is the current request/authorization details page?
The Current Requests/Authorization Details page displays information on current and future CPT authorizations only.
What does return mean in CPT?
Return: Takes you back to the CPT Employment page without canceling CPT.
How many hours do you need to do CPT?
This is a required field. Full Time: Over 20 hours per week. Part Time: No more than 20 hours. DSOs must authorize CPT either on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance to the school policies. When school is in session, the student must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
When is CPT authorization required?
Has secured a training position. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student’s home country does not need CPT authorization.
Why are complex rules applied to CPT?
Complex rules apply to CPT because the training opportunity must comply with both: Federal regulations. School policies regarding internships, experiential learning, etc. Designated school officials must understand the following federal regulations and policy guidance to determine if a student qualifies for CPT:
How long does it take to get an I-20?
A student must have an I-20 with valid CPT authorization in order to start working. CPT review and processing can take up to 15 business days. Authorized CPT dates may be able to be shortened or extended with the permission of the student, employer, and the student’s academic/faculty/career advisor and ISS approval.
How many hours can a CPT be?
CPT must be authorized for either part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (over 20 hours per week). A student may be restricted to the number of hours per week they can be authorized to work. If there is a change in the number of hours per week the student is expected to work that will change it to or from part-or full-time, ...
How many semesters does a CPT authorization last?
CPT authorization is typically granted for one semester at a time, because authorization is contingent on enrollment in a specific course. More information on CPT authorization dates can be found in the student information section.
What is CPT in college?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization for F-1 students. Eligible students may seek authorization to work in an internship, co-op, or practicum that is directly related to their major field of study.
What is required for ISS training?
The name, title, and signature of a person authorized to hire or supervise an individual for practical training is required. Acceptable signatures include an authorized digital signature or physical signature on a paper form that has been scanned/emailed. ISS will accept an emailed letter from your employer’s/trainer’s email address.
Do I need CPT authorization for F-1?
An F-1 student must request authorization from the school at which they are enrolled full-time with their F-1 I-20. A student must have CPT authorization before they can start their practical training experience.
How long can you work for CPT on F-1?
There isn’t a limit on how much full-time or part-time work an F-1 student can complete, but students who complete full-time CPT for more than 12 months are ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), ...
How long do you have to be on an F-1 visa to work?
The student must maintain a valid F-1 visa for at least one academic year (9 months)
How long do you have to be in school to get a CPT?
There are seven general rules for CPT: The student must have been enrolled in school full-time for at least one year under a valid F-1 visa (except for graduate students whose program requires CPT) The student must receive a qualifying job offer before he or she submits a CPT authorization request. The CPT must be an integral part ...
What is CPT in school?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of off-campus employment where students receive practical training that’s an integral part of their academic program or the school’s established curriculum. Examples include cooperative education, internships, alternative work/study, and any type of practicum or internship that’s offered by sponsoring ...
How many semesters do you need to be on campus for an F-1 visa?
Many schools require F-1 students to get permission from the ISO and complete at least 1 – 2 semesters before applying for on-campus jobs, but those rules are determined by the school, not USCIS. There are four rules for on-campus employment: The student must maintain a valid F-1 visa.
How many hours can a student work while on a F-1 visa?
The student must maintain a valid F-1 visa. The student cannot work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. The student may work full-time during holidays and semester breaks, as long as the student intends to register for the subsequent academic semester. The student may not displace a US resident.
What are some examples of CPT?
Examples include cooperative education, internships, alternative work/study, and any type of practicum or internship that’s offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. There are seven general rules for CPT:
How to qualify for CPT international student?
To qualify for CPT international student requirements, you must train as part of your program. For example, you may need to hold an internship in your study area as a prerequisite to graduation. Besides, the training must apply to the area of study in which you major.
What page does CPT work authorization go on?
Once you are eligible for CPT F-1 visa status, you will receive a CPT international student authorization notation on page three of your I-20 from your DSO. Remember, your CPT work authorization is only good for one employer, over a specific period, and at one particular location. This information — as it pertains to your position — is included in your page-three authorization details. You must adhere to these work specifications to retain your CPT eligibility status. If you see an error or have any questions, you must see your DSO as soon as possible.
Can I get a CPT visa while studying in the US?
There are several opportunities to qualify for and utilize a CPT visa while studying at a university in the United States. Some programs — such as the Global MBA program at Adelphi University — have professional development opportunities as part of their curricula. As you start to research options for your degree program, look for US university departments that can align with CPT international student opportunities.
Can I get an OPT visa for CPT?
You can hold multiple CPT positions and even more than one simultaneously; however, if you have 12 months’ total CPT employment, you cannot qualify for OPT.
Is it easier to get CPT or OPT?
Since CPT international student rules only require a meeting with your DSO and since CPT is often a scheduled part of a degree program, many students and officials say it is easier and takes less time to obtain CPT than OPT. That said, it is always wise to plan. Reach out to the DSO at your university before you begin the CPT international student application process, so you know what to expect when you are ready to start applying for CPT.
Can I get a CPT visa with a letter from my employer?
When you have the letter from your employer, you can begin the CPT work authorization and CPT visa application process with your university-appointed DSO. Your DSO will update your I-20 and issue you a new copy with your updated CPT status included.
