Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as an alternative study, internship, cooperative education, or other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by a sponsoring employer through a U.S. College or University.

CPT is only available for current F-1 students when it is part of the student’s established curriculum within their program of study. CPT must be integral to the student’s primary major program of study. CPT cannot be authorized solely for the purpose of employment or for experiences that are not required or otherwise formally recognized as part of the academic program.

CPT is an academic experience required for a student to complete their degree program. It is not intended for general, ongoing work authorization, or as a bridge to employment after graduation.

MORE DETAILED CPT INFORMATION

  • You must be in valid F-1 status
  • You must be in good academic standing
  • You have declared a major
  • You have been enrolled in full-time status for at least one academic year (fall and spring semesters) prior to applying for CPT
  • You are making normal progress towards degree completion. CPT cannot interfere with or delay progression towards degree. You cannot apply for CPT in final term.
  • You must maintain full-time enrollment

Students applying for CPT must have job/internship offer prior to applying for CPT. Employment opportunities must meet the following requirements to qualify for CPT.

  • The position is temporary and educational in nature.
  • The position is not covering the duties of a full-time, permanent position.
  • The experience is for the benefit of the student, not the employer.
  • The experience provides specific learning objectives that correspond to a credit-bearing course that is a degree requirement.
  • The student works closely with a supervisor who can evaluate the student's learning experience.
  • The student is free to discuss the duties, activities, and objectives (including proprietary research) of the position and how it relates to the student's major with his or her academic advisor, international student advisor, and/or professors.

CPT employment authorization is tied to the academic calendar and each semester needs a new, complete application.

Fall semester

  • Earliest start date: Day after 2nd summer session ends
  • Latest end date: Day before spring semester classes start

Spring semester

  • Earliest start date: Day after fall semester ends
  • Latest end date: Day before 1st summer session classes start

Summer

  • Earliest start date: Day after spring semester ends
  • Latest end date: Day before fall semester classes start

If authorized, CPT is granted for a specific start and end date at a specific location. CPT authorization is listed on page 2 of your Form I-20. Any employment outside of the specified location and dates will be considered unauthorized employment and result in the termination of your F-1 status.

  • CPT request form
  • Letter from Employer - An offer of employment letter is required to apply for CPT. The letter from the employer (hard copy or electronic copy) must be on company letterhead with a valid signature from a company representative and contain the following information.
    • Student's full name
    • Student's job title
    • Detailed job description – include description of student's role, responsibilities, and duties
    • Physical place of employment (street address, not PO box)
    • Exact dates of employment (start date and end date)
    • Number of hours of work per week
  • Enrollment in an internship course that covers a requirement for your degree
  • Curriculum schedule for your major showing the internship course

Thesis/Dissertation CPT

Students applying for CPT for their thesis/dissertation research must include a letter on department letterhead stating how the internship is integral to their research and the experience will give them access to innovative technology or data collection that is only available at the internship company or research facility.

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