Many advisers—and Reddit threads—claim you must register full-time or that CPT is illegal in your last term. The truth is more nuanced: DHS regulations allow part-time Curricular Practical Training (≤ 20 hrs/wk) in the final semester as long as you still meet the “full-course-of-study” or approved Reduced Course Load (RCL) rules. Let’s unpack the law, the myths, and the steps to stay compliant.
1 | Myth-Buster Table
| Claim | Reality | Source |
|---|---|---|
| “CPT is banned in the last semester.” | False. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) lets DSOs authorize CPT any time in the program, including the final term. eCFR | |
| “It must be full-time CPT.” | False. DSOs mark CPT part-time (≤ 20 hrs/wk) or full-time (> 20 hrs/wk). Study in the States | |
| “You can’t drop below 12 credits.” | Sometimes true. You need either a full course load or an RCL for a “final-term exception” (6+ credits). eCFR | |
| “Any CPT in the last term kills OPT.” | False. Only 12 months of full-time CPT cancels post-completion OPT. Part-time CPT accrues at 50 %. eCFR |
2 | Legal Groundwork
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Must be “an integral part of an established curriculum.” DSOs enter employer, dates, and full- vs part-time in SEVIS before you start. eCFR
Reduced Course Load (Final Term)
8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C) lets DSOs approve ≤ 6 credits when “the student needs fewer courses to complete the program.” eCFR
Key takeaway: If you need just two classes to graduate, the DSO may grant an RCL; you can then add part-time CPT and stay lawful.
3 | Eligibility Checklist
- Completed one academic year in F-1 status.
- CPT is required or earns credit toward your degree.
- DSO approves either:
- Full course load or
- RCL—final semester (≥ 6 credits).
- CPT hours ≤ 20 per week during required registration periods. Study in the States
- Employer’s start/end dates fit inside the semester calendar.
4 | OPT Impact Calculator
| CPT type in last term | Months counted toward 12-mo. CPT cap | Post-completion OPT eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time, 4 mo. (≤ 20 h/wk) | 2 mo. (½ rate) | Yes |
| Full-time, 6 mo. (> 20 h/wk) | 6 mo. | Yes, if total full-time CPT < 12 mo. |
| Full-time, 12 mo.+ | 12 mo. | No—OPT forfeited |
5 | How to File—Step-by-Step
- Enroll & register for your final-term courses; request RCL if < 12 credits.
- Secure faculty letter stating the internship is integral or credit-bearing.
- Submit CPT request in your school portal (upload offer letter).
- DSO issues new I-20 with CPT endorsement—verify part-time box checked.
- Start work only on or after the I-20 CPT start date.
6 | Top Compliance Tips
- Clock hours: Keep weekly timesheets; DSOs/ICE can audit.
- Course linkage: Register for the internship/coop course if your catalog requires it—even if zero credit.
- Finish strong: Drop-out or early graduation cancels CPT automatically.
- No grace-period work: CPT ends on program-end date; OPT must be filed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine part-time CPT and an on-campus job?
Yes, but aggregate on-campus + CPT hours should not violate school workload policies.
I only need one 3-credit class; can I take it online?
DHS allows just one online class toward the 6-credit RCL minimum. Plan at least one in-person course. eCFR
What if my internship needs 25 hours per week?
That’s full-time CPT. If you cross 12 full-time months total, you’ll lose eligibility for post-completion OPT.
Does my thesis-only semester count as “final term”?
Yes. If coursework is done, you can request CPT while writing a thesis, provided the CPT is integral to degree objectives.
References (curated by usaadmission.com)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) — Curricular Practical Training definition and DSO authorization. eCFR
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C) — Reduced Course Load for final academic term. eCFR
- Study in the States – “F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)” — part-time ≤ 20 hrs/week, full-time > 20. Study in the States
- Study in the States – “Maintaining Status” — CPT must be integral to curriculum. Study in the States
- Study in the States – “Reduced Course Load” — credit minimums and RCL workflow. Study in the States
All citations link to DHS or eCFR sources for rock-solid compliance.