F-1 Curricular Practical Training

Curricular practical training is an 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. CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum.

ISS authorizes all CPT, and applications should be submitted well in advance of employment start dates for timely processing. Employment may not begin until authorization is given. Authorization is shown on a print-out of page 2 of a student's I-20.

CPT applications can be found and submitted through ISS Request.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Not available for students in English language training programs
  • Limited to college, university, conservatory, or seminary students
  • Work must be integral to a student's program of study, meaning that it must be required. It cannot be an elective. All students must be required to complete the work/training, without which they would be unable to complete their degree.
  • Work must be directly related to the student's major.
  • May be granted for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time employment (20 hours per week or more)
  • Must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis in a SEVIS-approved school for one full academic year to be eligible
    • Exceptions provided for graduate students who are required to engage in curricular practical training prior to completion of a first year of studies.
  • Under U.S. federal regulations, whether a training opportunity is paid or unpaid does not determine the need for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization. What matters is whether the training is an integral part of the student’s academic program and directly related to their major field of study.

Documentation

  • CPT Request Form
  • Evidence of program requirement (currently published program worksheet/brochure clearly outlining the work/training required of all students in the program)
  • Sponsoring employer offer/agreement letter

CPT Limitations

  • Part-time only during academic semesters, unless it can be academically justified
  • A cumulative of 12 months of full-time CPT will disqualify a student from OPT
  • May be full-time during vacation periods