Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to complete off-campus internships while attending classes. Authorization for CPT must be obtained through the International Student and Scholar Services Office.

Once you’ve received approval from the ISSS office, you can begin your internship. You can only work during the dates listed on page 2 of your new I-20. 

Eligibility for CPT

To use CPT, you must meet the following requirements: 

• You must have been enrolled in school full-time for at least 1 year on valid F-1 status (with limited exceptions)
• CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or major program course requirement. CPT authorization is not available for minor courses or non-major electives.
• You must have received a qualifying job offer before you submit your CPT authorization request 
• Your job offer must be in your major or field of study 

Exchange students and non-degree students are not eligible for CPT. 

Review the full details about CPT eligibility.

How to Apply for CPT

Submit the CPT Request Form (PDF) and a job offer letter to ISSS in Gildemeister 132 with at least 5 business days before the beginning of your CPT job offer.

Part-time vs Full-time CPT

CPT can be full time (more than 20 hours per week) or part time (less than 20 hours per week). Most students work part-time during the semester or full-time during the summer while on CPT.

If a student plans on applying for OPT after they graduate, they can only use 11 months and 29 days of full-time CPT. You will not be able to use OPT if you work for 12 months on full-time CPT. Part-time CPT does not apply to eligibility for OPT. 

If you are requesting full-time employment during the academic year, the employer’s letter must include the certification that you will have full access to the intellectual property produced by the research for publication in dissertation in addition to the other application requirements.