Key Insights:

International students studying in the US on an F1 Visa have an excellent opportunity to secure employment in their field of study during their graduation period through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT positions offer a beneficial avenue for F1 visa holders.

CPT roles encompass full-time, part-time, and internship positions. Internships, particularly, serve as an optimal pathway for international students to acquire CPT employment. These internships not only count as employment but also provide invaluable practical experience working alongside professionals in their respective fields.

Although internships are often unpaid and located off-campus, they remain a valuable means of gaining relevant work experience just before graduation, serving as a strong foundation for one’s career. Let’s delve deeper into the correct procedures for discovering CPT jobs for F1 international students in the US.

Related Post: Are Day 1 CPT Universities Fraudulent? Tips for Safeguarding Your Immigration Future

How To Apply For Your CPT Jobs

• Check with your University’s DSO or academic advisor to determine the appropriate timing for applying for CPT. Begin your job search three months before the eligible CPT application period.
• Apply for positions relevant to your field of study.
• Once you secure a job, present the job offer letter to your University’s DSO or academic advisor.
• Ensure the offer letter contains precise details such as job responsibilities, start and end dates, and weekly work hours.
• If the job offer aligns with your educational program and meets its requirements, you can request a CPT recommendation from the University’s DSO or academic advisor.
• Upon successful recommendation, you will receive authorization for F1 CPT and a new I-20 form endorsed for CPT participation from your University’s DSO.

How can I obtain employment under F1 CPT? Or How can I secure CPT Jobs?

There are two options available for employment in CPT Jobs: either full-time, consisting of 40 hours per week, or part-time, consisting of 20 hours per week.

• F1 CPT permits both full-time and part-time employment in CPT positions. F1 students engaged in full-time CPT roles for 12 months or longer are ineligible to subsequently enroll in OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Working full-time under OPT offers better prospects compared to full-time CPT positions. Therefore, it’s advisable to work part-time in CPT roles to preserve eligibility for OPT.
• The primary objective of engaging in CPT positions should always be to accumulate work experience before graduation.
• F1 students should select their employment mode based on the duration of their educational program.
• Participating in CPT positions allows F1 students to maintain their F1 visa status until they complete their educational program. Employers may potentially sponsor an H1B Visa and offer full-time employment post-graduation, transitioning from F1 Visa to H1B Visa status.
• If an F1 student hasn’t worked full-time for over 12 months in a CPT role, they can apply for OPT and commence full-time employment.
• Enrollment in a course under F1 CPT requires successful completion to avoid violating F1 visa status.
• Any changes in employment dates necessitate notification to the DSO to obtain updated CPT work authorization.

CPT Jobs for F1; Top Companies Offer:

SR NO.	Company Name	Industry
1	Amazon	E-commerce company
2	Apple, Inc	Technology Company
3	Bank of America	Financial services company
4	Cummins	Heavy equipment, automotive
5	Deloitte	Professional Services
6	Disney	Media Entertainment
7	eBay or PayPal	Financial technology
8	Ernst & Young	Professional Services
9	Facebook	Social media and Social networking service
10	Goldman Sachs	Financial services
11	Google	Technology Company
12	IBM	Information technology
13	Intel Corporation	Semiconductors
14	JP Morgan Chase	Financial services company
15	Microsoft Corporation	Information technology
16	NVIDIA Corporation	Graphic cards company
17	PricewaterhouseCoopers	Professional Services
18	Tesla, Inc	Automotive Company
19	Qualcomm Technologies, Inc	Telecoms equipments, Semiconductors
20	World Bank	international financial institution

Questions and Their Answers Regarding CPT Employment:

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

Individuals holding F1 Visas can pursue CPT Jobs. Admission to a US university is necessary to obtain an F1 Visa. Subsequently, F1 students can seek a CPT work authorization upon receiving approval on the employment letter from the Designated School Official (DSO).

2. Can I work on CPT Visa?

 Yes, F1 CPT students have the option to engage in either full-time or part-time employment relevant to their academic field of study.

3. How long can I work on F1 CPT?

F1 CPT students are permitted to engage in CPT Jobs for a maximum duration of 12 months, provided the employment is related to their educational major.

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

No, F1 CPT can only be sought upon receiving a valid job offer aligned with your educational major.

5. Can I get H1B sponsorship on CPT?

Yes, If you have completed your educational degree and your employer offers an extension of your employment to a full-time position, you may be eligible for H1B sponsorship upon completion of the employment.

6. What is CPT and OPT in the US?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are both types of work authorization that enable F1 international students in the USA to acquire practical work experience in their field of study. CPT can be pursued before graduation, while OPT can be pursued after graduation.

7. Can I Engage in Paid CPT Employment?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) enables F1 students in the US to secure employment, whether paid or unpaid, directly related to their education shortly before completing their graduation.

8. What is a CPT Job?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a type of work authorization available to international students on an F1 Visa, allowing them to engage in paid or unpaid employment directly related to their educational field while in the process of completing their graduation.