Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to gain practical training experience that is authorized as an integral part of an established curriculum.  Such training is defined as "alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." CPT may be part-time or full-time. 

 If you plan to engage in CPT, you must discuss your plans at least two weeks in advance with the International Student Advisor.

Eligiblity for CPT

As an F-1 student, you may engage in CPT if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • You have been lawfully enrolled in school full-time for at least one full academic year.
  • Your proposed training is directly related to your major field of study.
  • Your academic program requires an internship experience OR you will earn college credit toward your major from your training experience.
  • You meet criteria of eligibility proposed by your academic department (e.g. class standing, minimum GPA).
  • CPT is authorized one semester at a time to verify continued eligibility.

Applying for CPT

  1. Check that the major stated on your I-20 is correct.   (You cannot do CPT in a major that is not listed on your I-20.)  If your major is incorrect, you will need a new I-20.  Please see the International Student Advisor for details.  Allow sufficient time to process the change of program on your I-20.
  2. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to discuss your eligibility and the application requirements for CPT.
  3. Meet with your Faculty Advisor regarding departmental internship requirements.
  4. Secure an internship opportunity through your academic department, Career Services, or on your own efforts.
  5. Write a one-page Learning Goals Statement detailing what you hope to gain from the internship experience.  The writen Learning Goals statement should include:
    • Name of student
    • Location of internship
    • The beginning and ending dates of the internship (during the semester, these dates may not extend beyond the first and last day of class
    • 5-7 objectives for the internship (bulleted)
    • The statement should be signed by you, your faculty advisor, and your internship site supervisor (type the name below each signature)
  6. Meet with your Faculty Advisor to complete the Curricular Practical Training Recommendation Form and ask him or her to sign off on your Learning Goals Statement.
  7. Request a letter from your internship site supervisor. The letter must include:
    • Your name
    • Your job title
    • A brief description of your duties
    • Beginning date of training
    • Ending date of training
    • Full time or part time 
    • Hours per week
    • Location of Employment (Street address, City and State)
    • Name and contact information for the employer (supervisor's business card is preferred)
    • Printed on letterhead and containing original signature
  8. Register for the designated departmental course and request a photocopy of the signed add slip.
  9. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor and bring the following items:
    • Learning Goals Statement - signed by you, your Faculty Advisor, and site supervisor
    • CPT Recommendation Form
    • Employer Letter
    • Photocopy of the course registration form
    • Internship course syllabus or course description from your department
    • Prior I-20's and passport

When all documentation is in order, you will receive a new I-20 with the CPT authorization on page 3. 

Please note: You may not begin employment until the Form I-20 with CPT authorization is in your hand.

While participating in CPT:

 

  • Do not begin training until your I-20 is endorsed and IN YOUR HAND. 
  • You are authorized to work with the company, at the location, during the dates stated on page 3 of your I-20.  If any of these details will change, you and your faculty advisor must notify the International Student Services office in writing to alter the conditions of your authorization.  Your form I-20 must be updated and in your hands BEFORE you may begin training under the new parameters.   
  • You are still in F-1 student status while on CPT and must continue to notify the International Student Services office of changes to your address, program, or financial information.  
  • You may travel into and out of the US while on CPT provided you have your I-20 signed by the International Student Advisor each semester. 
  • You must be registered for at least one credit hour of internship/independent study credit in the earliest semester possible.  If you are participating in CPT during the summer break, you must register for internship/independent study credit in the next available term, Fall semester.  
  • Withdrawing or dropping credits that are tied to CPT authorization immediately cancels the CPT. Training without this authorization is a violation of status and could result in immediate departure from the U.S.. 
  • Please note: If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are NOT eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation.



Additional Information