Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is considered training/employment in your field of study which is an “integral part of the curriculum.” It must fit one of the following categories:
- It is an internship you are taking for credit. The actual course may be an elective within your academic department.
- It is a non-credit work experience that your academic department requires of all degree candidates.
Do I need to have a job/internship to get the work authorization?
Yes. You must have a job/internship offer before you receive permission to begin employment.
How many hours per week can I work?
CPT may be authorized on a part-time basis (maximum of 20 hours per week) during the school year or full-time during the summer and winter breaks. Please note that if you work 12 months or more full-time CPT, you will forfeit all post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). There is no limit on the amount of part-time curricular practical training permitted. You must be registered as a full-time student at all times.
Can I get paid on CPT?
Curricular Practical Training objectives are academic and not employment. However, there is not a limit to the hourly wage one may be paid.
Who is eligible?
You must be a degree candidate who has been a full-time student in F-1 status or has attended school in lawful non-immigrant status prior to changing to F-1 for at least one academic year (two semesters).
What is the authorization procedure?
If you are doing an internship for credit you must:
- Meet with a Designated School Official (DSO) in OGE
- Receive internship offer
- Seek a faculty member to serve as your internship advisor
- Submit the Learning Contract to the Career Development Center (CDC)
- Once all Learning Contract is completed and approved by both your site supervisor and your internship advisor, the CDC will sent it to OGE for review. A DSO will confirm approval with CDC, who register the student for the internship course.
- The DSO will issue a new I-20 Form with CPT approval.
You may engage in CPT only after you have your I-20 endorsed by at DSO to show authorization, and the specific employer, location and the start and end date of employment on the form.