Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)
F-1 students studying at an SEVP-approved "college, university, conservatory, or seminary" may be eligible to seek authorization for practical training to engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study. Before applying for CPT:
- Students should check their F-1 eligibility and process with the ISSS office
- Unauthorized employment is cause for termination of a student’s SEVIS record
- CPT cannot be back dated
- CPT authorization is in the form of an updated I-20
- CPT is employer and date specific, meaning students can only work for the listed employer during the dates specified on the second page of their I-20
- CPT is authorized once per term. If a student needs more than one CPT, they must apply again for the new term
- Students are recommended to consult Career Center and their academic advisor to find an internship that is related to their field of study or major
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
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F-1 visa student who has maintained full-time F-1 status for at least one full academic year (grad students may participate in CPT during the first year if required by their program). Time spent at a previous degree (other than high school, ESL, Pathway programs) may be counted toward the one-year requirement.
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Currently enrolled full-time
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In good academic standing
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Training must be “an integral part of an established curriculum” and “directly relate to the student’s major of study”. This is demonstrated by receiving at least one internship credit for CPT, or otherwise the student must provide program catalog that internship is required. Exception: occasionally an academic department may offer a zero-credit internship as part of their curriculum. This may be acceptable for authorizing CPT if the student will have a faculty supervisor for the zero-credit and there is a learning outcome assessment process.
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Students in English language training programs are ineligible for practical training
Position:
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Employment must be related to a student’s field of study or major
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Letter from the employer must be provided to provide the parameters of employment, including:
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dates of employment
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number of hours per week
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supervisor and contact
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position title
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description of duties
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Additional Information:
- CPT is approved one semester at a time and an internship credit is required each time.
- If a student is not able to register for a class that meets these CPT requirements, they may consider “pre-completion OPT.” This option, however, would reduce the amount of time a student will be awarded for “post-completion OPT.” Please contact ISSS for more details.
Part-Time Training
Employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered "part-time" curricular practical training. Students can be authorized for part-time CPT while school is in session, unless their academic program requires a full-time internship for ALL students in the degree program during that term.
Full-Time Training
Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered "full-time". There is no limitation upon the length of time a student may participate in full-time curricular practical training but if a student participates full-time CPT for twelve months or more, they will not be eligible for any type of optional (including post-completion) practical training (OPT). Students can engage in full-time CPT during their vacation term, or if an experience in the academic program is required for ALL students in the degree program during that term.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Learn more about OPT here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/f-1-optional-practical-training-opt
ISSS team offers OPT workshops each semester. Be sure to attend one of the workshops to learn more!