International Students and Scholars

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

U.S. immigration regulations define Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as authorized off-campus employment which is an integral or required part of your curriculum and course of study.

Breadcrumb

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

CPT Application Instructions

Learn about the application procedure for Curricular Practical Training.

Apply