课程实习许可（Curricular Practical Training，简称CPT）是针对在美国持有F-1签证的学生的一项就业授权计划，允许他们在学业期间获得与专业相关的实际工作经验。以下是F-1 CPT的详细解释：

  1. 资格条件： 在美国SEVP认可的教育机构完成一年（两个学期）的全日制学习的F-1学生有资格申请CPT。通过CPT获得的工作经验必须是其规定课程的一个重要组成部分，与其主修专业直接相关。
  2. 学术要求： 要参加CPT，F-1学生必须获得实践培训的学术学分，或者它必须是其学位课程的必要组成部分。工作经验必须与学生主修课程相关，并有助于其学业进展。
  3. 持续时间： F-1学生可以获得兼职（每周20小时或更少）或全职（每周超过20小时）的CPT授权。CPT的持续时间没有具体限制，但学生必须确保不超过12个月的全职CPT，因为这可能会影响他们在毕业后申请选修实习（Optional Practical Training，简称OPT）的资格。
  4. 授权程序： 申请CPT，F-1学生必须与所在教育机构的指定学校官员（Designated School Official，简称DSO）合作。DSO将审查学生的资格，并在批准后发放一张新的带有CPT授权的I-20表格。学生只能在收到更新后的带有CPT授权的I-20表格后开始工作。
  5. CPT类型： CPT可以是“课程必修”或“课程选修”。所谓的“课程必修” CPT是指实践培训是学生学位课程的一个重要组成部分，对学位的完成是必要条件。而“课程选修”CPT是指实践培训不是学位的强制性组成部分，但能增强学生的学习体验。
  6. 对OPT的影响： 12个月或以上的全职CPT授权会影响学生在毕业后申请选修实习（OPT）的资格。如果学生完成了12个月或以上的全职CPT，将无法获得OPT资格。然而，兼职CPT或少于12个月的全职CPT不影响OPT资格。
  7. 报告要求： 进行CPT的F-1学生必须及时向DSO报告其就业详情和任何变更。未能报告变更或从事未经授权的工作可能会导致严重后果，包括F-1签证状态的终止。

总之，F-1课程实习许可（CPT）为国际学生提供了宝贵的机会，使其在美国学习期间获得与专业相关的实际工作经验。学生应仔细遵循其所在教育机构制定的指南和报告要求，以确保CPT经验的成功和合规性。

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization program for F-1 visa holders in the United States, allowing them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study during their academic program. Here is a detailed explanation of F-1 CPT:

  1. Eligibility: F-1 students who have completed one academic year (two semesters) of full-time study at a SEVP-approved educational institution in the United States are eligible to apply for CPT. The work experience obtained through CPT must be an integral part of their established curriculum and directly related to their major field of study.
  2. Academic Requirement: To participate in CPT, F-1 students must receive academic credit for the practical training or have it be a required part of their degree program. The work experience must be relevant to the student’s major course of study and contribute to their academic progress.
  3. Duration: F-1 students can be authorized for either part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) CPT. There is no specific limit to the duration of CPT, but students must ensure that they do not exceed 12 months of full-time CPT, as this could affect their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
  4. Authorization Process: To apply for CPT, F-1 students must work with their Designated School Official (DSO) at their educational institution. The DSO will review the student’s eligibility and issue a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization if approved. The student can begin working only after receiving the updated Form I-20 with the CPT authorization.
  5. Types of CPT: CPT can be either “Curricular Required” or “Curricular Optional.” “Curricular Required” CPT is when practical training is an integral part of the student’s degree program and is necessary for degree completion. “Curricular Optional” CPT is when practical training is not a mandatory part of the degree but enhances the student’s learning experience.
  6. Impact on OPT: Full-time CPT authorization for 12 months or more can impact the eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. If a student completes 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they will not be eligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT or less than 12 months of full-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.
  7. Reporting Requirements: F-1 students on CPT must report their employment details and any changes to their DSO promptly. Failure to report changes or unauthorized employment can result in serious consequences, including termination of F-1 status.

In conclusion, F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides valuable opportunities for international students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study while pursuing their academic program in the United States. Students should carefully follow the guidelines and reporting requirements set by their educational institution to ensure a successful and compliant CPT experience.