Curricular Practical Training

A F-1 student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year in their program of study before being eligible for CPT.

An exception exists for graduate students, if a graduate program requires immediate participation in an internship, a practicum, or other employment. 

Unfortunately, students in English Language programs are not eligible for CPT.

A mandatory internship course, or an elective internship course that counts toward program major requirements.

CPT is available only while the student is in valid F-1 status and before the completion of a global scholar's program.

A student should first consult with their department academic advisor for guidance on their respective program's internship protocols.

Approval from a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Global Education Office as evidenced by a Form I-20 authorizing CPT, must be received prior to a F-1 student's participation in off-campus practical training. Authorization will be considered only after the student has submitted:

• A properly completed and signed CPT request form (Sent and completed through SignNow);
• Copy of job offer letter or cooperative agreement (Upload through MappingXpress);
• Enrollment can be verified in the course requiring practical training.

If you are eligible and have the documentation required for CPT, a DSO will authorize CPT by issuing a new I-20 detailing the employment.

You may engage in CPT employment only after you have received the I-20 with your CPT authorization.  

This work authorization is valid only for the specific employer, location, time period and on a part-time or full-time basis as approved and recorded by a DSO as evidenced on your I-20 issued for CPT.

You may not continue employment beyond the date authorized. To begin work, prior or work past the dates of CPT approval, would be a violation of your nonimmigrant F-1 student status. Do not jeopardize your student status and make sure you receive proper authorization to engage in off-campus work.

• Defined as less than 20 hours per week and does not count against ability to file post-completion OPT.
  
  
• If required for your program of study, there are no limitations on the number of times you may be authorized to participate in part-time curricular practical training, but you must be maintaining lawful F-1 status and gain approval each semester of engagement.

• A student can engage in full-time CPT if required by degree plan/course requirement. 
• Full-time CPT allows the student to work more than 20 hours per week.  
  
• Please Note:  If you participate in 50 weeks or more of FULL-TIME curricular practical training, you will not be eligible for post-completion optional practical training (OPT).