What are the rules for F1 student visa?
You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria:
- You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
Can I work with F1 visa in USA?
Yes, it’s possible to work with F1 Visa in USA. In principle, F1 visa is only for students who are seeking an academic education in USA. However, there are few different opportunities for you to legally work in USA while maintaining your F1 Visa status. Once you finish your studies in USA, you automatically receive one-year work status called Optional Practical Training (OPT).
What is CPT student visa?
What is CPT? CPT is for F-1 Student visa holders who wish to take part in a paid or unpaid off-campus internship provided they have maintained their visa status. It is a class and is not meant to be a road to employment. It is vital that your CPT learning experience be an instrumental part of achieving a curricular academic objective.
What is F1 immigration?
F-1 visa holders are students who are permitted to enter the U.S. to pursue a full course of study. After they complete the course of study, they are required to leave the U.S., unless they change their immigration status. In general, F-1 students who are in legal immigration status are eligible to work on-campus 20 hours per week during the Fall and Winter terms and 40 hours per week during annual vacations and official breaks, e.g., Spring Break/Winter break.
Who is eligible for CPT?
To be eligible for CPT, you must: Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis while physically present in the US for one academic year (i.e. two full consecutive terms) unless your academic program requires immediate participation for all students.
Is F-1 and CPT same?
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.
Can F-1 student work CPT?
As a F-1 visa holder, you can work full time with CPT authorization. Students must choose between full-time CPT and part-time CPT. Students who pick full-time CPT may work as many as 40 hours a week, while students who choose part-time CPT may work up to 20 hours per week.
What's the difference between OPT and CPT?
What's the Difference Between OPT and CPT? The major difference between OPT and CPT is the time in which you are eligible for these programs and the type of work allowed in each program. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, while CPT must be completed before graduation.
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.
How many months can I work on CPT?
Regardless of whether you are approved for full or part-time on CPT, there is no limit to how long you can work. However, if you work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, you are not eligible for OPT.
How long is CPT valid?
Difference Between CPT and OPTCPTOPTAre there any limitations?Students can continue to request CPT until the last day of their final quarter Part-time CPT: no maximum limit Full-time CPT: maximum limit is 364 days12 months full-time + 24-month STEM extension (if eligible)5 more rows
Does CPT need 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.
Can I apply for green card while on CPT?
Both OPT and CPT are absolutely legal. You can apply for any number of Day 1 CPTs to maintain your status, which still doesn't have any effect on your green card processing. Green card or Permanent resident card lets you stay in USA with out the need for a non immigrant visa like H1B.
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.
What is a CPT for international 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.
Who approves CPT authorization?
Designated School Official (DSO)Authorization for CPT must be granted by your Designated School Official (DSO) before you can begin working. CPT is usually granted for one semester or term.
Can I apply for CPT while waiting for OPT?
Q. What is the waiting period before I can start working for CPT or OPT? Both types of practical training - CPT and OPT - require you to have completed at least one academic year (two semesters) of full-time study inside the US before you can start using your CPT or apply for OPT.
Does CPT count towards OPT?
If a student completes 12 months of part-time (20-hours or less per week) CPT, the student is eligible for OPT. If a student completes 12 months of full-time (40 hours or more per week) CPT, the student is not eligible for OPT at the undergraduate level.
Does CPT require EAD card?
NO EAD is required for CPT. Rather the I-20 endorsed by the DSO indicating employment is authorized under CPT and which identifies the employer and period of employment authorization under CPT is the document used for I-9 purposes and for evidence of valid non-immigrant status in the US.
What is a CPT job?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid off-campus academic internships during their degree program.
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.
What is CPT in F-1?
If you are a F-1 student, you may want to participate in Curricular Practical Training. CPT is off-campus work that gives you work experience in your field of study. You need to fulfill these eligibility requirements: Valid F-1 immigration status.
How many semesters of full enrollment in current F-1 SEVIS status before the CPT?
Two semesters of full enrollment in current F-1 SEVIS status before the CPT.
When to take CPT credit?
For full-time CPT over winter break: Take the course credit in the spring.
How long do you have to work to be eligible for OPT?
CPT does not affect your eligibility for OPT unless you work 12 months or more in full-time CPT. If you work 12 months or more, you are no longer eligible for OPT.
What is an F-1 Visa?
F-1 Visas are for students looking to enter a school for academic study with the intent of obtaining a degree, diploma, or certificate. These schools must be authorized by the United States government to enroll foreign or international students. Schools that qualify are listed below:
Working on the F1 Visa
F-1 Visa holders are limited to on-campus jobs during their first academic year but have several other options during their second year and onward:
Duration of the F-1 Visa
In addition to the CPT or OPT, F1 Visa holders may remain the U.S. for up to 60 days afterwards before returning to their home country.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is an F1 Visa?
To pursue education in the US, it is important to have an F1 student visa. Getting yourself enrolled in an accredited US university, college, language program or any academic course is the first step to getting an F1 student visa. It includes all programs, be it undergraduate courses or graduation courses etc.
Documents required for F1 visa application
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, make sure that you arrange the following documents to apply for an F1 student visa.
The process to apply for F1 visa
Once you have procured all the necessary documents, the next important step is to follow the process of application with utmost care.
After arrival in the US
Once your tickets are confirmed and you are ready to take off, keep in mind the below- mentioned points regarding your F1 visa.
F1 Visa Extension
A student can get an opportunity to extend F1 visa, with the condition that the student has opted for Optional Practical Training (OPT). If eligible for OPT, the F1 Visa extension can be extended up to 12 months. In the case of STEM OPT, it can be extended up to 24 months.
What is an OPT for F-1?
OPT provides a practical training experience that directly relates to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Foreign students in F-1 nonimmigrant status participating in OPT must obtain an EAD from USCIS before they are authorized to work. The student may not begin employment until the date indicated on the EAD.
When does F-1 status get extended?
Extensions of F-1 status only (without OPT): If a student is in F-1 status when you file an H-1B petition with an Oct. 1 start date, but the student is not currently participating in OPT, they will receive a cap-gap extension of their F-1 status but will not be authorized to work until we approve the petition and their H-1B status begins on Oct. 1.
What is the I-20 form?
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, program end date
How long can an F-1 student stay on OPT?
After finishing a course of study, we may authorize an F-1 student up to 12 months of OPT. Please see the USCIS OPT for F-1 Students webpage for the types of OPT. Some F-1 students may be eligible for an extension of their OPT. (See F-1 STEM OPT Extension.)
Can I do CPT on my 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. CPT is any alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum. These students should enter the CPT employment end date from the employment authorization section of their Form I-20 in Section 1 as the date employment authorization expires.
Can an F-1 student work after the expiration date?
If you employ an F-1 nonimmigrant student in OPT and you timely filed an H-1B petition for that student, they may be able to continue working beyond the expiration date on their OPT EAD while waiting for the start date of an approved or pending H-1B petition.
How long can you work on an F-1 visa?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa in the United States to work up to 12 months in relation to their major of study. F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT after completing their first academic year. OPT can be completed both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are only allowed to work 12 months total.
How long is an F-1 extension?
International students with an F-1 visa who have completed degrees in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are eligible for a 17-month extension for post-graduation completion of OPT employment. Beginning May 10th, 2016 students may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-graduation OPT employment. This will replace the 17-month extension.
What is CPT in education?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical experience directly related to their major through employment, paid or unpaid internships, or cooperative (co-op) education. It must be part of an established curriculum.
What is the difference between CPT and OPT?
The major difference between OPT and CPT is the time period in which you are eligible for these programs and the type of work allowed in each program. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, while CPT must be completed before graduation. CPT employment is part of your major curriculum that allows students to work in a paid ...
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.
M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.
Employment
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
Special Instructions
If you are interested in changing to F or M Student Status, see the Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status page.
