Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

General Information: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. CPT must be directly related to the students program of study and must be an integral part of an established curriculum. Students whose program of study requires an internship or whose academic advisor can verify that the internship adds meaningful experience to their program may be eligible to apply. If the internship/work experience is not a requirement for completion of the academic program, then the student must receive academic credit for the class and obtain approval from the students academic advisor or dean that the student is authorized for the training in question. In this case, students will need to enroll in a CWEX class. CPT is employer specific, so a student must have a job offer before applying for CPT. Also, the job MUST be directly related to the students program of study. Students can only engage in CPT for the location and period approved and recorded by the international office. CPT will be granted on a quarter to quarter basis. Eligibility for CPT: In order to apply for CPT, the student must have enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year (3 quarters). Students must also be in valid F-1 status in order to apply. Part-time or Full-time CPT: A student can be approved for part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). However, students must maintain full-time status (12 credits) per quarter while completing CPT. Effect on OPT: Part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Full-time CPT for more than one year counts against OPT and the student will not be eligible for OPT.

How to Apply:
1. Before applying for CPT, the student must submit an official letter (on official letterhead) that he/she has received a job offer to the international advisor. a. The letter should contain the following information: i. Job title ii. Location of employer iii. Beginning and End dates of employment period iv. Hours of employment per week v. Job description (Students job duties/responsibilities) 2. 3. 4. Complete and submit CPT Application Form. Complete and submit the CPT Verification Form signed by the students academic advisor. Once the required documents are submitted, please allow 5 days for processing. If CPT is approved, the international advisor will authorize CPT on SEVIS and give the student an I-20 indicating that CPT has been authorized.

If you have any further questions regarding CPT, please contact the international student advisor.
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