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Curricular practical training (CPT)

CPT Video Tutorial

Watch the CPT Tutorial video to learn about the CPT application process.

If you are unable to view the presentation, a PDF version is available to download.

What is CPT?

Curricular practical training (CPT) may be authorized under certain circumstances to allow F-1 students temporary off-campus employment.  Such employment must be directly related to a student's major field of study and an integral or important part of the program of study.  Training which is required by the degree program always meets the requirements for CPT, regardless of whether or not academic credit is received for the work.  Training which is not required by the degree program may meet the requirements if the student registers for a class with a formal work component as listed in the Programs of Study catalogue, or for thesis if the employment is directly related to the thesis topic or area or research. CPT is authorized by ISSS upon receipt of the proper application materials, outlined below.

Who is eligible for CPT?

• F-1 students who have completed one full academic year (both Fall and Spring) of full time study. This requirement is waived for graduate students in a program that requires immediate internship participation.
• CPT occurs during the course of the student's program of study. CPT is not for students that have completed all required credits for their degree.

Full-time vs. Part-time CPT

• Part-time CPT is 20 hours a week or less, while full-time CPT is more than 20 hours per week.
• Full-time CPT can be authorized in three situations: during summer semester for students registered in spring and continuing in fall; pursuant to registration in a formal internship class; or if you are in a graduate program that requires internship participation to graduate. Otherwise, you will be limited to 20 hours per week of work authorization, including any on campus employment.

• If you participate in twelve months or more of full time CPT, you lose eligibility to apply for twelve months of optional practical training (OPT) after you complete your studies.  Participation in part time CPT does not affect your eligibility for post-completion OPT.

Possible internship courses:

ENG 310*	ENG 510*	ACCY 290	ACE 293	ADV 495	AGCM 293
AGED 293	BUS 299	CHBE 210	CHEM 295	CHLH 485	CHLH 595
CMN 204	CMN 304	CPSC 293	ENG 451	EOL 589	FSHN 293
HDFS 293	HORT 294	HORT 294	HRE 492	JOUR 495	LA 345
LER 580	MACS 495	NRES 294	NRES 294	PS 491	PSYC 533
REHB 583	RST 484	RST 584	SOC 400	STAT 593	THEA 490
TSM 293	UP 390	UP 590	ACCY 590	LAW 692	LAW 798
BADM 590BPI	MUS 459	MBA 530	ACE 592GIE	PSM 555

*Letter from Engineering Career Services confirming course approval is required along with application form

ATTENTION: Students in the Department of Computer Science pursuing CPT must also attach the CS CPT Approval form to their application.

Other Information

• CPT requires course registration as indicated in the CPT application form for the semester in which CPT occurs (summer included). Independent Study courses are not appropriate for CPT registration.
• CPT authorization cannot be backdated. Please make sure your CPT work dates are in the future.
• You are only authorized to work on CPT for the dates listed on your new I-20 (3rd page). You cannot start your CPT employment without having the I-20 in hand. The employment must also end on the date specified on your CPT I-20.
• CPT authorization can only be given for 1 year at a time.
• If you wish to change employers or dates of employment while on CPT you must turn in a new CPT application form.
• If you are a Graduate student registering for thesis credits for CPT please make sure your thesis topic and/or title is given on the CPT application form along with an explanation why the CPT authorization is necessary for your thesis research.
• Students pursing ENG 310 or ENG 510 must obtain an additional approval letter from Engineering Career Services
• All students in the Department of Computer Science must also submit a CS CPT approval form with their CPT application

How do I apply for CPT?

• If you believe you have an employment opportunity that qualifies for CPT, please meet with your academic/thesis advisor to discuss. If your advisor believes the employment is an integral and/or important part of your program of study, the next step will be for you to fill out the top portion of the CPT application form. Your academic advisor/thesis advisor will need to fill out the bottom portion of the application.
• Make sure all sections of the CPT application form are complete before submitting to ISSS. ISSS will not accept incomplete application forms. After you have submitted the form, it will take ISSS 5 business days to approve the CPT and create the new I-20. Please make sure you give yourself plenty of time before employment begins to submit the application.
•  CPT approval is not guaranteed. Each application is evaluated based on its own merits, and even if you believe your application includes all the requested information, ISSS could still deny your application or request further clarification.

Download CPT Application Form