International Services

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Immigration permits lawful F-1 students the opportunity to gain practical work experience during their degree program and in their major field of study. This experience is called Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum.” This may include paid and unpaid, part-time and full-time, on campus or off campus. CPT must be approved by the International Services Coordinator and must be an integral part of the student’s curriculum. Co-ops and internships are best done through the Career Success Center as credit hours or an internship credit through the student’s Academic Department.

Eligibility Requirements

You must have:

  • Valid F-1 status
  • Been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
  • At least one course remaining to complete your degree program

Required documents to be submitted to International Services

  • CPT Approval Form (fillable PDF)
  • Letter of Employment
  • On company letterhead and signed by a company official
  • Stating a brief job description showing relation to your current major
  • Stating dates of employment beginning and ending
  • Stating the number of hours per week: Full or part time

For internship:

  • A copy of the independent study course registration or statement from the Career Success Center

Authorization

A new I-20 (SAMPLE) will be issued to you authorizing your CPT.

Process

  • Please make an appointment with the International Services Coordinator to discuss CPT.
  • You will be contacted within 2 weeks to pick up your new Form I-20.

No coursework is required in conjunction with full-time CPT. Part-time coursework may be taken. If CPT is part-time, additional coursework will be required. Immigration permits full time CPT of less than one year. Use of one year or more eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT – post-completion year of work authorization).

CPT/Internship/Co-op authorization by the International Services Coordinator is required prior to beginning employment.