F-1 Employment Authorization (CPT)

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International Student and Employment

International students have the potential to obtain legal authorization to work for any employer in the United States - either through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). It is important to note that F-1 students can only work in the U.S. after receiving proper authorization and with certain limitations. Even if an internship is unpaid, international students may still be required to seek authorization.

CPT is an off-campus employment option that is available to international students when practical training is an integral part of their established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment includes activities such as alternative work/study, internships, cooperative education, and other required internships or practicums that are facilitated through agreements between employers and the school. To qualify, the work experience must be necessary for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Students are eligible to receive compensation for their CPT employment. Prior authorization from the international Student Center at NVI and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) are required.

Eligibilty

To participate in CPT, the student must have:

• Received a qualifying job offer before submitting your CPT authorization request.
• A letter from your employer offering internship employment.

Students must have been offered the internship opportunity that must fall into one of the following categories:

• To fulfill an internship requirement expected to all students in your program and necessary for the completion of your degree.
• To satisfy an internship elective that contributes to the fulfillment of your degree requirements. The internship elective should be explicitly mentioned in your school's official course description, stating its purpose of allowing students enrolled in the course to engage in off-campus internships.
• To related to the research essential and integral to the completion of your doctoral dissertation.