Introduction:

International students in the US on F1 Visa have a wonderful chance to get a job in their educational field during their graduation period under CPT (Curricular Practical Training). CPT jobs stand as a great option for International students in the US on F1 visas.

The CPT jobs allow working full-time, part-time, and on internships. Internships are the best option for an international student to get a CPT Job as internships not only is counted as employment but also help a fresher to get knowledge about the practical world by working under professionals from their field.

Internships are mainly offered unpaid off-campus, but it is still best to earn relevant work experience right before graduation. This works as a great start to one’s career. Let’s understand more about the right steps to find opportunities in CPT Jobs for F1 international students in the US.

How to apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training)?

1. Check about the right time to apply for CPT in your University with the DSO or academic counselor. Start looking for jobs 3 months before the eligible time to apply for CPT.

2. Apply to the jobs relevant to your educational field.

3. After finding a job, represent the job offer letter to your University DSO or academic counselor.

4. The offer letter should have precise information about the job role and responsibilities, the start date and end date of the offer, and the hours per week for the job.

5. You can get a recommendation for CPT from the University DSO or an academic counselor if they find the employment letter in relation to your educational program and if it meets the requirement of your educational program.

6. Once you are recommended for the CPT program successfully, you will get authorization on F1 CPT and a new I-20 form endorsed for your participation in the CPT Program from your University DSO.

How can I work on F1 CPT? Or How to work on CPT jobs?

There are 2 modes to work on CPT Jobs i.e. full-time for 40 hours per week or part-time for 20 hours per week.

F1 CPT allows working on CPT Jobs for full-time or part-time. The F1 students that work for full-time CPT Jobs for 12 months or more are not allowed later to enroll for OPT (Optional Practical Training).

Working full-time on OPT (Optional Practical Training) helps to find better opportunities in comparison to working full-time on CPT Jobs.

Therefore, even though CPT Jobs allows F1 students working on full-time it’s still better to work part-time on CPT Jobs to later qualify for OPT (Optional Practical Training).

The main motive for working on CPT Jobs should always be to earn work experience before graduation.

F1 Students should choose the mode of working as per the duration of the educational degree.

F1 Students working on CPT Jobs continue the status of F1 visa till the completion of the educational degree. The employer might sponsor for H1B Visa & offer a full-time job after the completion of the degree and CPT Job. This can help you to change your visa status from F1 Visa to H1B Visa.

You can also apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) and start working on a full-time job if not worked full-time for more than 12 months under CPT Job.

If you are enrolling in a course under F1 CPT you must pass the course to avoid violating your F1 visa status.

You are required to inform the DSO (Designated School Official) if there is any change in the dates of employment to receive a new CPT work authorization.

Explore the best ways to find CPT internships in the US.

FAQ’s with answers for CPT Jobs:

1. How to apply for CPT Jobs in the US?

Students on F1 Visa can apply for CPT Jobs. You require to get admission to a University in the US to get an F1 Visa. Later, F1 students can apply for a CPT work visa after getting approval on the employment letter from the Designated School Official (DSO).

2. Can I work on CPT Visa?

Yes, F1 CPT Students can work full-time or part-time for employment in relation to their educational major.

3. How long can I work on F1 CPT?

F1 CPT Students can work on CPT Jobs for a duration of 12 months on employment in relation to the education major.

4. Can I apply for CPT Visa without an offer letter?

No, F1 CPT can be applied only after receiving a valid job offer that matches to your educational major.

5. Can I get H1B sponsorship on CPT?

Yes, you can get H1B sponsorship after completion of the employment if your educational degree is completed and if you are offered an extension of the employment into a full-time Job from the employer.

6. What is CPT and OPT in the US?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are work visa that allows an F1 International student in the USA to gain practical work experience in their education major. CPT can be applied before completing graduation and OPT can be applied after completing graduation.

7. Can I work on paid CPT Job?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows F1 students in the US to get employment for paid or unpaid jobs directly in relation to their education right before completing graduation.

8. What is a CPT Job?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a work visa that can be applied for by international students on an F1 Visa to work on paid or unpaid CPT jobs in their educational major while completing the process of graduation.

Conclusion:

United OPT aims to assist F1 students in the job search for OPT Jobs and CPT Jobs. We offer a platform for candidates to find the best matching job openings in the IT as well as Non-IT sector. Get in touch with us to find CPT Jobs matching your domain today!