Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization for an integral part of an established curriculum and must be directly related to a student's major area of study. It may be defined as: alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education (Co-Op) or other type of internship practicum (required or optional). Students must also register for a specific course in their department that fulfills a program requirement.
CPT can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week). Students registered for CPT during a fall/spring semester also must be registered for a full course of study which must include the course required for the CPT. Students engaged in CPT during summer vacation do not need to be registered full-time for classes.
Who is Eligible
To qualify for CPT, you must:
- be in valid F-1 status
- have been full-time enrolled for one full academic year
- have required coursework left to complete
If you have any questions about your eligibility, contact us.
How to Apply
- Understand the application process. Speak with your academic advisor about enrolling in an internship or practicum course that will fulfill a program requirement
- Have a job offer directly related to your major area of study
- Consult with your college's academic advisor and career coach about options for academic credit. If academic credit is available, you will work with a faculty sponsor to complete an Academic Credit Contract that details the academic expectations for the internship. You will also work with your internship employer to complete a Memorandum of Understanding that details the internship responsibilities.
- GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY: a copy of the Memorandum of Courses or Program of Study that has the required course officially added as a required part of your program and has been signed by the Dean for Graduate Studies
- Submit the online request for CPT. You will submit the signed Academic Credit Contract and Memorandum of Understanding and:
- the name and email address of your academic advisor
- the name, address, and dates of employment for your job
- proof of enrollment in the course required for CPT (screenshot of your MyRed enrollment)
After you submit the online request form, your academic advisor will receive an email from ISSO requesting they confirm your eligibility. You will receive a confirmation email from ISSO when your advisor has submitted this form on your behalf. Allow 7-10 business days for ISSO to process your CPT request after receiving confirmation from your advisor.
You cannot start work until the employment start date listed on the 2nd page of the new CPT I-20 obtained, if approved, from the ISSO.