International Student Services

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular practical training (CPT) is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.

CPT is not supplemental training experience, but rather an integral part of an established curriculum.

Application

See detailed information about applying here.

CPT is required for:

  • Unpaid training or internships
  • Paid training or internships
  • Fieldwork
  • Offsite experiences with a sponsoring employer

CPT Eligibility:

  • Limited to F-1 students who have completed 3 cumulative academic quarters without interruption to their SEVIS record
  • Undergraduate students are not eligible for CPT if they have not yet declared a major
  • Be integral or required for your major field of study
  • Be registered for qualifying course credit (talk to your academic advisor to see if you are eligible)
  • Last no longer than one quarter unless approved by your academic department
  • Be applied for and approved prior to start of employment

CPT Offer Letter requirements:

  • Include a signed CPT offer letter on company letterhead
  • Include the site address where the training will take place
  • Include your start and end dates that must not pre-date or exceed the current quarter
  • Include hours/week
  • Include a detailed description of training duties
  • An offer of employment or work contract is not the same as a CPT offer letter. Start/end dates and purpose of the training must align with the curricular requirement. If your training is not curricular, please look at OPT

Important to Note:

  • CPT cannot be issued retroactively. CPT must be applied for and approved prior to start of the corresponding employment. Working without authorization is considered a serious violation of your F-1 status. This violation will result in the termination of your F-1 status, without grounds for reinstatement, and the possibility of barred reentry to the United States.