some questions about CPT

suzanne4, RN · Jul 22, 2008

You are not able to use the CPT full-time, it can only be used for up to 20 hours per week except during weeks of vacation. Otherwise it is not permitted at all. You have to be a full-time student in order to meet the requirements for the CPT; without taking at least 12 hours, then you lose your status.

You are expected to be attending school full-time, work is not supposed to be the importanty factor here. And actually you are supposed to prove that you have the funds for your living expenses as well as school before you come to the US.

You also need to complete a year of school to be able to get the CPT.

Best of luck to you.

RNXYZ · Jul 22, 2008

Thank you , Suzzan.

I am in the US right now. As I know I may spend 20 hours for on-campus job as I am full time international student. But are you sure we can take just 20 hours/week for CPT? Some graduate students may work 40 hours/week for their CPT, but of course they still need to register 9 credit hours for that semester. When you say 20 hours for CPT, that means this policy is just for undergraduate students? Thanks.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 22, 2008

I am aware of the programs, you are going to be just starting the RN program so you are not going to be able to work more than the 20 hours per week.

Graduate students already have the degree and basic training and they are under another set of rules than you will be.

This has been discussed many times here on this forum, you just need to do a search.

But just to add to this, not sure if you are aware that there is no longer any guarantee that you will be able to remain in the US once you finish your degree and OPT as they have changed everything with immigration.

Just wanted you to be aware of this fact before starting.

We have been under a retrogression for almost two years now, things are not as they used to be, nor are they expected to ever return to that.

Best of luck to you.

RNXYZ · Jul 22, 2008

Thank you for your advice.

Actually, I will start some pre-requisite courses for next semester, and it will take me more than one year. So that's why I want to use my CPT after one year full-time study. And I'v hold the RN licence, so I guess I may apply for some job out of campus.

But tell me , is that possible to work 40 hours per week by using the CPT? Thank you.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 22, 2008

The CPT cannot be used until you have completed one year of nursing courses, pre-reqs are not done in the school of nursing.

It is specific to being in an approved school of nursing and taking nursing courses, not pre-reqs. A year of taking pre-reqs does not permit one to qualify for the CPT, that is the point that I am trying to make to you.

If you have an RN license, why are you taking pre-reqs? That does not make any sense either.

The CPT for nursing does not permit one to work more than 20 hours per week as an undergraduate student. Unless it is vacation time, otherwise when school is in session, only 20 hours per week.

Does not matter if you hold a license for the US, the fact is that you do not have a work permit that will permit you to work anywhere at this time, and that is what you need to pay attention to.

Do you actually have a license from the US or just your country?

RNXYZ · Jul 22, 2008

Thank you.

Yes, I really have the RN license of here. I guess different college has different policy, the school which I applied asked me for those courses before I take the RN-BSN program. I called it prerequisite courses , is that right? But anyway, they gave me the formal admission letter. So I guess I may apply the CPT next year .

jeireh91 · Aug 29, 2008

Would you need EAD for CPT?

I was doing some research and ICE says I need EAD for off-campus employment.

Since CPT is going to be getting a job off-campus, do I need to apply for EAD?

And is there expiration date for EAD?