International Information

CPT (Curriculur Practical Training)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is legal employment authorization available to F-1 Students while they are still enrolled full-time.  It consists of a work/study program, internship, cooperative education or practicum which is an integral part of established curriculum of the degree program in which the student is enrolled either as a course requirement for graduation or as a program for which academic credit is awarded.  In order to be eligible, the F-1 student must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, <maintain a legal F-1 status>, be able to show that the employment is an integral part of the curriculum and the job you are applying for is related to your major field of study. 

There is no limit to the length of time allotted to CPT, but students who have received a year of more of full time CPT are no longer eligible for Optional Practical Training after completion of their degree.   Time allotted for CPT is not deducted from your allotment of OPT unless it exceeds twelve months of full-time employment, in which case the OPT option is forfeited.  Full-time CPT is defined as employment for over 20 hours per week.  Part-time CPT is defined as employment of 20 hours per week or fewer.  


To Apply for CPT:

1) Set up a meeting with the PDSO (Sheila Murphy, Dean for Student Life) by calling x2124

2) At the meeting, be able to provide:

• The name of the proposed employer, the employers' address, a job description, start date, end date, and whether the position is for full or part-time employment.
• Proof that the position is an integral part of the curriculum either as a requirement for completion of your degree or as part of a course for academic credit.

3) If the DSO approves the CPT, she will then update the student's record in SEVIS to indicate that you are:

• authorized for CPT
• the duration of the authorization
• and whether you are authorized for full-time or part-time CPT.

 
Regardless of whether you engage in full-time or part-time CPT, you must maintain a full academic course load in order to maintain your legal F-1 Status.  When the SEVIS record is updated, the DSO will print out, sign and date a copy of the employment page of the I-20, which, once returned to the student, will allow the student to commence work as authorized by the I-20.