Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students in degree-seeking programs to engage in off-campus employment or training during their program of study. CPT is job specific meaning you must have a job offer to apply and the employment must be directly related to your area of study and integral to your degree-program.

Important

Working without out authorization is a violation of the F-1 regulations which may lead to termination of your F-1 status. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to work in the US, contact ISS at TheWorld@memphis.edu.  

CPT Process at a Glance

Eligibility

• Be in valid F-1 status
• Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis in the US for one academic year (2 full semesters)
• Will continue to meet the F-1 enrollment requirements during the CPT
• Employment/training is an integral part of an established curriculum
• Employment/training is directly relatd to student's major of study
• Receive recommendation from the academic department
• Receive approval from ISS and an updated I-20 reflecting the CPT

Other Considerations and Limitations

• CPT is only available during your program meaning your authorization dates must occur before your I-20 expires. 
• CPT authorization is employer-specific, meaning authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific period of time. Students may have multiple CPT at the same time.
• Working beyond CPT authorization dates or for an employer without CPT authorization is considered a violation of F-1 regulations which may lead to termination of the F-1 status. 
• CPT can be part-time or full-time. Full-time CPT may require additional review by ISS.
• CPT can be paid or unpaid.
• CPT is approved on a full-time (21 hours or more per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week) basis. Using 12 months of full-time CPT will eliminate the eligibility for Post-Completion OPT.
• Employment can only begin AFTER you have received the CPT I-20 and the start date has begun.
• Non-degree programs such as English Language Training programs are not eligible for CPT.

If you have any doubt about whether a position requires CPT, contact ISS office at TheWorld@memphis.edu. 

Application Process

STEP 1: Obtain a Job offer & Job offer letter

The first step to acquiring CPT is to secure a job offer for a position that is related and integral to your program of study. Once the job offer is made, the employer must issue a job offer letter that includes the following:

• Employer Name
• Employment Start and End Date
• Number of hours you’ll be working per week.
  • 21 hours or more per week = full-time employment
  • 20 hours or less per week = part-time employment
• Employer Address
• Brief description of job duties

In addition to the above, the job offer letter should include the employer’s signature and be generated on the company’s letterhead.

STEP 2: Apply for CPT through the ISS Office, allow 7-10 business days for processing

You can apply for CPT through our CPT Application form. This form will require:

• A copy of your job offer letter
• Contact information for the faculty member recommending the CPT authorization. 

Once you submit your application, your recommender will receive a request for the following information:

• Their name and contact information
• Course Number
• Employment Start and End Date
• Date the grading will be completed
• Whether the employment is full or part-time

Reach out to your recommender / professor ahead of time so they know to expect this request!

Once your application is submitted, please allow up to 7-10 business days for ISS to issue your CPT authorization. You cannot  begin employment until you receive CPT authorization, and the start-date has been reached.

STEP 3: Receive CPT approval & begin working

Once approved, the ISS team will email you a new I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.

Do not work until the start-date has been reached!

Remember, CPT is date and job specific, meaning you are only authorized to work for the employer listed on the I-20 and only on the dates authorized. Working outside of the authorized dates is a status violation which may negatively impact future USCIS applications (e.g., OPT, H-1B, etc.).

STEP 4: Extend or Reapply for CPT, if needed

If you need to extend your CPT authorization or request CPT for a different employer, you must submit a new CPT Application and follow the same procedures.

Your CPT application must be approved before you resume working or begin employment with the other employer, so make sure to reapply at least 7-10 business days before your desired start / resumption date.

CPT Application