CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. 

What is Curricular Practical Training? CPT is a work permit that allows F-1 students to work temporarily in their field of study while enrolled in a college-level degree program.

In order to qualify for CPT, students must be on F-1 status in the USA for at least nine months, and be in good academic standing. In order to take part in CPT, you will need to contact your Designated School Officer (DSO) to have them authorize it and file the necessary forms. 

Your CPT employment can be in the form of an internship, practicum, or other work experience that can either provide academic credit, or is required to earn your degree. 

There’s no defined limit for how long you can take part in CPT. However, it will be limited by the length of time you are enrolled in a college-level degree program. It should also be noted that if you take part in CPT for 12 months or more, you will be ineligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

Health Insurance for International Students on Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

In order to be eligible for CPT, you must be an F-1 student enrolled in a college-level degree program. As such, you will be subject to the insurance requirements of the college or university you are enrolled in. 

Some US colleges and universities require all international students to enroll in a school-sponsored health insurance program. Other educational institutions provide a school-sponsored insurance program as optional coverage. Finally, some schools do not offer an insurance program at all, and thus require you to purchase your own international student health insurance. 

In any case, an international student enrolled in CPT can have the same international student insurance as any other F-1 student in the USA. Whether it must be purchased through the school or procured on your own depends on the school’s policies. 

However, if you decide to take part in post-completion OPT after you graduate, this will not be the case. Most schools do not offer viable insurance options to students on post-completion OPT. They are not eligible for F-1 student insurance, as they are no longer enrolled or taking classes on a full-time basis. In this case, you would need to look into OPT health insurance.