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Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training or CPT is a benefit that F-1 status students have available to them in order to work off campus to get experience in their field of study. Per the regulations, CPT must be "an integral part of an established curriculum." The regulations defines CPT as "alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school."  Since none of our majors require internship or some kind of work in a student's major field of study (integral part of an established curriculum) to graduate, our international students must enroll in a class for credit (1-3 credits can be earned) that has been approved by a faculty member and Division Head. Below are the steps an F-1 student must follow to apply for CPT:

1- The student must have an offer of employment in hand prior to applying for CPT. The job offer must be in writing on the employer's letterhead and must state the period of employment, address of place of employment, the number of hours the student will be working, and a description of the employment.

2- The student then initiates their request for CPT by completing a "Curricular Practical Training Proposal."  See link below.  While school is in session the student can work no more than 20 hours per week.  During official school breaks the student is eligible to work full-time.

The top half is completed by the student and the bottom half by the supervising faculty member and the division head.

3- Once the above documentation in 1 and 2 are received the International Student Advisor, DSO:

a. Determines if the student has met the one full academic year requirement,

b. Reviews documentation to see if the employment qualifies for Curricular Practical Training based on the "Curricular Practical Training Proposal" section completed by the supervising faculty member and division head as well as the documentation provided by the potential employer.

c. Sends "Curricular Practical Training Proposal" to the Dean of the Faculty for final approval. Once approved then the student enrolls in the course found on the proposal.

d. Once it is determined that the student is eligible and all documentation (letter from employer, proposal, proof of registration) is received the CPT request is entered into SEVIS. The employment start date, employment end date, full or part-time status, employer name and address, and an explanation of how the employment is curricular is entered into SEVIS.

e. Once successfully submitted a new I-20 with all the CPT information is printed and signed on page 1, line 10.

4- Student signs new I-20 and only begins employment when the start date is reached and discontinues employment when the end date arrives.

CPT Form