Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training

You must have ISP’s Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization on your I-20 before you are allowed to work on CPT. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off campus work authorization that allows a student to work in a job related to his/her field of study.

Eligibility Requirements

Be in valid F-1 status
Completed one academic year of full-time study
CPT must be an integral part of the student’s degree program and directly related to their major area of study. To meet this requirement, the student must work with a faculty member on an Internship Form that outlines the learning objectives of the off campus employment, how it relates to the student’s degree program and must be attached to a credit so it reflects in the student’s academic record.
Good academic standing
Consultation with ISP staff, first and then faculty in your major, second
A student may not begin employment until they have the CPT authorization.
Authorization for CPT is employer specific and reflects a start and end date.
CPT authorization cannot exceed the period of one year per application.
CPT authorization may be part-time or full-time depending on eligibility requirements.
Students who have received one year or more of full-time CPT are not eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training and/or a Program Extension.
Students who have been granted a Program Extension are not eligible to pursue full-time CPT. USCIS regulations state that a student is not able to deliberately prolong his/her date of completion to take advantage of CPT.

Types of CPT Training F-1 Students

CPT—Internship (paid) Required by Program

Internship must be required for the completion of the degree program.
Authorization may be part-time or full-time depending on the internship requirement.
Students are required to document the program’s internship requirement.

CPT—Elective Internship/Employment

Available to students who want to gain practical work experience related to their field of study.
Must be based on the student receiving course credit to participate in the employment. Some established curriculums have courses that would meet this requirement. Otherwise, in order to meet this requirement, the student must work with a faculty member on an Internship Form that outlines the learning objectives of the off campus employment, how it relates to the student’s degree program and must be attached to a credit so it reflects in the student’s academic record.
Student must receive an Incomplete in the course until the period of CPT has been satisfied.

Application

Make an appointment with the International Student Program adviser to discuss in detail CPT.
Work with your faculty advisor to arrange an internship.

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