Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is training (internships, practicums, etc.) expected of all students who are completing a specific program of study or are enrolled in a course requiring an internship. Because it is part of the educational program, the US government allows F-1 students to participate even though that status does not normally permit off-campus employment/internship.  You must remain enrolled in the internship course for the duration of your training and CPT is only allowed during the duration of the course. There are exceptions for the summer semester.  If you drop the course, your CPT is no longer valid.

While participating in CPT, you must be enrolled continuously in a full course of study and otherwise maintain your status.

  • You must have an internship offer to apply for CPT because the authorization is internship/position specific. You may not change your training position without obtaining a new CPT authorization.
  • The number of hours you are allowed to complete an internship/work while on CPT is determined by your educational program or course requirements.
  • Part-time CPT authorization is 20 hours per week or less. Full-time CPT is over 20 hours.
  • You may use as much CPT authorization as is required for your degree program. However, if you accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT authorization, you are no longer eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT in any way.
  • Having an I-20 with Curricular Practical Training authorization on Page 2 is sufficient for you to accept the internship.
  • CPT is authorized for specific dates. These dates must coincide with the start and end dates of the course for which CPT is fulfilling the requirement. You may not begin the internship before the start date or continue the internship after the end date. There are exceptions for the summer semester.

Curricular Practical Training Eligibility

  • You must be in F-1 status at the time you apply and must have been a full-time student for one academic year preceding the CPT application. Programs that require immediate participation in an internship/practical training for all students may apply at any time.
  • The internship must be necessary to fulfill course/class requirements and must be required of all students taking the course.
  • The course must be an integral part of the established curriculum, (i.e., required for the degree program, a necessary component of the degree plan, earning credit for the degree program).

Steps to Obtain CPT Authorization

  1. Register for a course in your program of study that has an internship component.
  2. Talk with your instructor or academic advisor about the kind of placement that will fulfill the requirements of the course.
  3. Request from the prospective supervisor an internship/job offer letter, supervisor letter, or internship agreement describing the training that you will do. The letter or agreement must include the following:
    • A description of the training to be performed
    • The start and end dates of the internship/training (must coincide with the semester dates of the internship course, except for summer)
    • The address of where the training will occur
    • Number of hours of training per week
    • Signature of your supervisor or other official and on official company letterhead or an official document
  4. Log in to iStart using your Net ID and password. Click on the Curricular Practical Training Form:
  • Complete e-form
  • Upload training/internship offer letter from your supervisor with the required information
  • List your instructor or academic advisor who you have already spoken with about your internship

5.  A Designated School Official (DSO) will then email your new I-20 with the CPT authorization once approved. You cannot begin your internship until you have received your new I-20 with the appropriate CPT authorization.