Curricular Practical Training

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work permission for F-1 international students who are currently pursuing study programs in the U.S. and want to gain experience in their fields of study. CPT is not available after a student completes degree program requirements. In order to be considered for CPT, students must show that the internship opportunity is an integral part of the degree program. An F-1 student may be eligible for CPT based on a required internship class for academic credit toward degree completion or participation in the co-op or internship program through the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD). F-1 students must receive the approval for their CPT authorization from International Services prior to beginning their employment. Students who begin the employment before receiving approval are considered to have violated their status. For general information about OPT and CPT, please visit the Study in the States guidance provided by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). For specific information including how to apply, please review the IS-130 Request for CPT Authorization form or contact International Services during the designated CPT advising hours below. You are also encouraged to read through the list of frequently asked CPT questions below.

CPT Advising:

If you have questions after reviewing the CPT guidance below, you are invited to join one of our Zoom advising sessions.

Students participating in recommended internships must enroll in a credit bearing course that aligns with the internship opportunity. If you have an internship opportunity that CPT would not be an option for, you may also want to consider pre-completion OPT.

What are the enrollment requirements?
During required academic terms (fall, spring, (and summer if final term)), students are expected to enroll in a full course load. Departments may consider a required internship to be full time during an academic term. Students participating in CPT must also enroll in a course that aligns with the internship opportunity. If summer is not the final term, students are not required to enroll full-time or maintain physical presence but must still enroll in an internship course that aligns with the opportunity.

What is the difference between COOP and internships through the CCPD office?
If you are not participating in a departmental internship course or an internship related to your thesis or dissertation, CCPD will meet with you to review your practical training opportunity and determine the course that best aligns with this experience.

The Cooperative Education Program is designed for multi-rotational experiences while the Internship Program is designed for one-time experiences.

How many hours am I eligible to work while on CPT?
You can engage in one of two types of CPT; either part-time CPT or full-time CPT. If you plan to work a combination of on and off-campus employment, the total number of hours will be reviewed for CPT eligibility. Please ensure your employer lists the maximum number of hours per week on the CPT Employer Form as we will authorize part-time or full-time CPT based on the number listed. Please see the points below for the number of hours you are eligible to work each week while authorized for the two types of CPT:

* Please note that you are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus without CPT authorization and up to 28 hours on-campus over recognized University holidays with proper HR approval.

*Students with on-campus employment are limited to part-time CPT during required academic terms if participating in a non-required internship opportunity.

Are there limits on CPT participation?
Participation in full-time CPT is limited to one calendar year per academic level. CPT authorization is only available for off-campus employment with the exception of degree-required internships that take place on-campus.

If I utilize my CPT benefit, will I still be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Students who utilize full-time CPT for 11 months and 28 days or more will lose eligibility for post-completion Optional Practical Training. Those participating in part-time CPT or less than 11 months and 28 days of full- time CPT will not lose eligibility to participate in post-completion OPT.

Can I accept a job offer before CPT is approved?

You can accept a job offer before your CPT is approved, but we encourage you to let your employer know that your eligibility to perform the work is contingent on the CPT approval.

Can I begin working before CPT is approved?
No. If you work prior to receiving your I-20 for CPT or prior to the date authorized for you to begin CPT, then you are considered to be engaging in unauthorized work within the U.S. which will result in the immediate termination of your SEVIS record. Unauthorized work within the U.S. is a serious infraction and can result in loss of future benefits or the ability to remain legally inside the U.S.