The USA is a popular destination for studying abroad. If you’re dreaming of earning a US degree this year, it’s vital to know about the US CPT program. Kottayam in Kerala is known for its excellent education and rich culture, with many students showing interest in studying in the US. Further, they take consultancy from study abroad consultant in India. So that they can assist them with this process. However, in this article, you’ll learn more about the CPT program and how it can benefit your career. So, let’s get started.
What Is US Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Global students with an F-1 visa can enrol in a CPT program. It allows students to work in paid internships related to their studies. Further, it’s a vital part of their course and helps them gain hands on experience and practical skills. So, to apply for US CPT, a student must have completed at least one course or two semesters as a full time student. However, you can read the below section to check the eligibility to apply for a CPT program while studying in the US. Further, with this visa, students can work either full time or part time. They can work for up to 12 months during the summer or academic year.
Eligibility for CPT
To be eligible for the CPT program in the USA, you must meet several criteria:
- The main requirement is to be a full-time student at an accredited US college on an F-1 visa.
- Secondly, you must have completed one academic year to be eligible to apply for a CPT program.
- The training you do for your CPT must be directly related to your study program. In addition, your academic program should allow you to apply for CPT as part of the curriculum.
Further, let us dive into the required documents or paperwork for a CPT program in the States.
Required Documents for CPT
To apply for CPT, you will need to gather specific documents, including:
- Job Offer Letter
- CPT Application Form
- An academic transcript from the university of 1st academic year of your course.
- Proof of you being a full time enrolled student in a US accredited institution.
- Form I-20 duly signed by a Designated School Official (DSO).
Further, the CPT program can only be enrolled after one year of your academic program. These are the required documents you need to apply for your US CPT program. Thus, you can refer to them while you apply for it. For more information, you can consult the experts at Gradding.com. This platform is the best study abroad consultant in India. Hence, this can be your one place solution to all your queries. However, moving further, let’s learn about the benefits of the CPT.
Benefits of CPT
Here are the benefits if you choose a CPT visa or Curricular Practical Training:
Skills Development & Real World Experience
CPT will give you practical experience. Further, it will help you apply what you learn in the classroom to real situations. Thus, it will build your skills and knowledge.
Career Development & Exploration
A CPT visa will allow you to explore different career paths. Moreover, you can learn about your field and discover your strengths and interests. Thus, it will help you make better choices for your future.
Cultural and Global Exposure
With CPT, you will experience new cultures and work environments. Thus, this exposure will give you different perspectives and practices. So that you can grow both personally and professionally.
Networking Opportunities
CPT will also help you build connections in your industry. As you interact with colleagues and supervisors, you can expand your professional network. Thus it will lead to job opportunities.
These are the respective perks you get with the US CPT visa. However, check the next section to know the steps to apply for the CPT application.
CPT Application Process
You must keep in mind that the application process for a CPT program can vary by college. So, here’s the general process to apply for it:
Schedule a Meet with Your DSO
The first step is to set up a meeting with your Designated School Official (DSO). Further, they will help you understand the CPT process and its requirements. So, you must contact your DSO as soon as possible and let them know you want to apply for CPT. However, during the meeting, you can talk about your plans and get advice. The application process can take up to 10 days for a response. So, it’s best to apply for your CPT at least 2 weeks before your work start date.
Look for an Internship or Job
After meeting with your DSO, start looking for an internship or job. You must make sure it relates to your field of study. Further, you can use job boards, a college’s career center, and sites like LinkedIn. However, you must consider only that option which meets the CPT requirements.
Receive a Job Offer Letter
After securing an internship or job, you will need to obtain a formal job offer letter from your employer. Moreover, this letter should include:
- Your job title.
- A description of your responsibilities.
- The start and end dates of your employment.
- The number of hours you will work per week.
Fill Out the CPT Application Form
Next, you will need to fill out the CPT application form. It typically requires some specific information. You need to fill in data about your job, employer, and how the position relates to your field of study. So, you should be thorough and accurate in your responses to avoid delays.
Gather Supporting Documents
Along with the CPT application form, you will need to collect supporting documents. It includes:
- Your job offer letter.
- A copy of your I-20 form.
- Any other documents your DSO requires.
Submit CPT Application to DSO
The Final step is to send the application form with all the documents to your DSO for approval. They will check your application to make sure it follows CPT guidelines. Thus, they will sign your I-20 form if everything is in order.
Get Your CPT Authorization
Once, DSO approves your application, you will receive your CPT authorization. Thus, this will allow you to begin your internship or job legally. However, you must keep a copy of it, as you may need it for future reference.
Start Your CPT Program
After you have your CPT authorization, you can start your internship or job. You must also keep in touch with your DSO during your work to make sure you follow all CPT rules.
Thus, these are the respective steps you need to follow while you apply for the CPT program.
Conclusion
Understanding the CPT program is key for students studying in the US. It will help you gain practical experience together with your studies. Thus, you can effectively plan your internship or job while studying in the United States. In the article, you learn about the eligibility rules and application steps. Further, the study abroad consultants in Kottayam have discussed benefits for you. So, this is a great chance for you to expand your network. Moreover, getting to work before graduation will be super advantageous for you. Well, good luck on your CPT journey!
