Answered on : 2024-01-23
1. **Part-Time During School Year:** CPT is typically done on a part-time basis (up to 20 hrs/week) during the school year [1].
2. **Full-Time During Vacation Periods:** Full-time CPT is allowed during vacation periods, such as summer sessions and J-term [1].
3. **Wait for EAD:** It's recommended to wait to start work until after you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) [3].
4. **Processing Time:** The normal processing time for CPT authorization is 1-2 weeks, with potential delays during peak request times [5].
5. **Authorization Period:** CPT is typically authorized one semester at a time based on your course enrollment confirmation or department's required practical training [8].
Remember, full-time CPT during the school year may affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) [4].