Office of Global Engagement
International Students and Scholars

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can be utilized in cases of F-1 students pursuing internships (paid or unpaid) or other employment opportunities related to the students field(s) of study.

  • You CANNOT start work off-campus prior to obtaining authorization from OISSS
  • You must not continue off-campus employment beyond the date authorized on your Form I‑20.
  • You may only work for the employer and number of hours specified on your Form I-20.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for CPT you must: 

  • be in lawful F 1 status; 
  • have been enrolled as a full time student for at least one academic year (graduate students may apply in their first year if the employment is required for their program); 
  • have declared a concentration (undergraduate students); 
  • have an employment offer; 
    AND 
  • have obtained academic approval of your proposed employment experience

Work Hour Limitation

The hours of employment per week that you are able to work will be marked on the new I-20 as part of the CPT authorization (page 2). You must be careful NOT to exceed the hours of employment you are authorized for.

During academic semesters
Limited to part-time (20 hours per week or fewer)

During summer break
Part-time or full-time allowed

PhD Candidates: After completion of required coursework, graduate students who are engaged in thesis/dissertation preparation are eligible for full-time (more than 20 hours per week) CPT during the academic year only if the training constitutes an integral part of their thesis/dissertation research. Students engaged in full-time CPT are not permitted to be engaged in full-time on-campus work (i.e. a research/teaching assistantship) during the academic year.

Impact of CPT on Optional Practical Training

If authorized for a cumulative total of 12 months or more of full­-time CPT, you are no longer eligible for any OPT. Part-time CPT has no impact on OPT eligibility.

Learn More about OPT

CPT Authorization

CPT is authorized by an OISSS advisor in the form of a new I-20. Once students have submitted all the required documents to OISSS, the new I-20 will be issued within 10 business days. 

CPT Application