Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows an F-1 student to gain practical experience via an internship, work off-campus, or cooperative program that is directly related to the student's program of study. CPT is linked to a specific course, is credit-bearing, and is limited to the specific employer and dates of employment listed on the CPT application.
You must receive authorization from the International Admissions office prior to the beginning requested date of employment. Once your CPT request has been approved, you will receive a new CPT I-20 reflecting your authorization to work. CPT is date- and employer-specific. To begin applying for CPT, please visit the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) office in Old Main to start the process.
Are you eligible?
In order to be eligible for CPT, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be in lawful full-time F-1 status for a full academic year in a SEVIS-approved college, university, conservatory or seminary.
- Be in good academic standing with the university.
- CPT must be an integral part of your program of study.
- CPT must be related to a specific academic course, and you must be registered for this course when you apply for CPT. CPT registration is for 1 credit each semester and is limited to a total of 6 credit hours maximum.
- You have provided a job offer letter to the CCPD office.
Authorization period and time restrictions
Work authorization is given per semester. Additional semesters require a new application. You may use a job offer letter that covers more than one academic term, but you must still apply each term for CPT.
CPT can be part-time (up to 20 hours a week) or full-time (over 20 hours a week)
Time spent in CPT does not take away from your OPT period unless you work more than 12 months in full-time CPT. If you do, you lose your OPT eligibility completely. Part-time CPT will not affect OPT no matter how long you work.