Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum, which must be authorized by International Student Services. CPT makes it possible for international students to participate in an internship, work/study, cooperative education, or practicum that is recognized as part of their program of study. This may be required of all students within the degree program, or it may be an optional internship that is counted towards the degree program requirements of your department.
In order to take part in CPT, you must have been enrolled for at least one full- time academic year (2 semesters). Graduate students are an exception to this rule, to which they are not required to wait a full academic year before beginning CPT. This is, as long as their program of study requires immediate participation. You must maintain a full course load of study (12 credits undergraduate; 9 credits graduate) during the Fall/Spring semesters and maintain your F-1 student status.
Prior to applying for CPT authorization with International Student Services, you must have a job offer. Without an offer of employment you may not begin the application process.
Once you have a job offer, you are required to submit the following materials to International Student Services:
1. Employment letter on company letterhead that states:
• Student name
• Employer’s name
• Employer’s address
• Statement of job offer
• Hours to be worked
• Full-time/Part-time employment
• Start date and End Date of employment
• Supervisor’s signature
2. Completed Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application with the required signatures
3. Proof of registration for the approved internship course; you must be registered for the course before authorization will be granted
4. I-20 documentation
5. Those participating in Cadet Observer must also provide the letter of agreement from Ms. Meredith Johansson
Bring the above documentation to your scheduled appointment with International Student Services. Please allow yourself enough time during the appointment for the Designated School Official to review the materials for authorization and provide you with the necessary documentation upon approval.
You may NOT begin employment until you are authorized by International Student Services. To maintain your status, you must wait until you have received a new I-20 and the start date on the I-20 for employment has arrived.
A Note of Warning: If you complete 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training, you will have become ineligible to participate in Optional Practical Training.
