Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training

F1 students have the option of training in the United States by engaging in practical training during your program. Practical training can provide valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you are learning in school.

Based on federal statute {8C.F.R. 214.2 (f)(10)( i )}, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is permission for an international student to legally work off-campus at a temporary job to gain professional experience that is directly related to the student’s academic major. The training must be “an integral part of an established curriculum.”  

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an opportunity for international students in F-1 status to participate in professional, temporary employment such as an internship, co-op program, practicum, or similar situation, which is done prior to the completion of studies. The training must either be a required part OR an integral part of the established curriculum and the student must receive academic credit for the employment that will count toward degree requirements.  

Curricular Practical Training Requirements

• Students must be in F-1 status and have been registered full time for two semesters (Fall & Spring) before the CPT can start.  
• The practical training must be required or an integral part of a student’s program of study and directly related to their major.  
• Academic credit MUST be received for the employment experience.  
• The student must register in a class for credit and the class MUST either be  
  • required for the degree OR
  • the class must qualify as an elective course required for the student’s degree
• Employment authorization cannot extend beyond the end of the academic term for which credit is received.  
• The period of employment should take place within the limits of an academic term. Students participating in CPT during a fall or spring semester must continue to pursue a full course of study.   
• Failure to register in the specific course for which the CPT is approved and failure to complete the employment during the period of authorization will result in a violation of immigration status.  
• CPT can be part - time (up to 20 hours per week) or full - time (more than 20 hours per week).  
• If a student has participated in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they are ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT is allowed, and students are still eligible to apply for OPT.  
• CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer.  

How to Apply

• Complete Section A of the Recommendation Form. Students should review the checklist and instructions.  
• Contact Academic Advisor to complete Section B of the Recommendation Form.  
• Request a recommendation letter from Academic Advisor outlining the course and how CPT is required or an integral part of curriculum and how the experience relates to course and the employment objectives.  
• Request a letter from the prospective employer outlining objectives, skills, number of hours, and start and end dates. The letter should be on company letterhead, dated and signed.  
• Prepare a letter outlining how and why your employment experience directly relates to the academic course. 
• Register in an internship or related class.  
• Submit the completed CPT application documents to the International Student Services Office to process.  

It is strongly recommended that students apply at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure application meets the eligibility requirements. There is NO application fee. Your DSO will provide the student a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” that shows the DSO has approved the student for this employment.