CPT is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school which must be "an integral part of an established curriculum" (8 CFR 241.2(f)(10)).
Does the hiring employer need to sponsor an international student? No, not initially. The most common type of student visa (F-1) allows for an initial 12 months of full-time work authorization. This is called Optional Practical Training (OPT) and is a direct benefit of the student's current F-1 visa status.
Does CPT require visa 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.
CPT is one of two types of practical training F-1 student visa holders can qualify for while studying in the United States. (The other type is called Optional Practical Training or OPT.) Practical training can be considered an internship or even a paying job that is related to your field of study.
In most cases, international students and recent graduates should answer “yes” to the question: Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.? Even if you can work legally for several years on OPT or CPT, eventually your student visa will expire. Most work visas require employer sponsorship.
Eligibility for CPT Be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year). Secure an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to the student's field of study. Obtain CPT authorization BEFORE beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the “immigration” term for an internship. “CO- OP” is the “BCC” term for an internship. It is the same thing. CO-OP is offered to any student that is in a major in which a CO-OP is offered.
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.
No employer sponsorship is needed for students to work using CPT. However, the application requires the employer to provide a job offer letter indicating the student's name, job title and job duties, number of hours/week (or full-time/part-time), location of employment and employment start and end dates.
To obtain CPT, a student must: Be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year). Secure an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to the student's field of study. Obtain CPT authorization BEFORE beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated.