Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training is the U.S. Federal permission for F-1 students to take a class requiring off-campus practical experience and receive pay while enrolled in that class. 

Eligibility Requirements

• The student must provide proof that they have completed two semesters in F-1 status prior to the CPT application, or show proof that they are enrolled in a program of study with mandatory internship requirements for all students within the first two semesters of the program. 
• The student must show proof from their professor stating that he/she is supervising the internship class, the course number, and the dates that the professor will monitor that class. Please see the form for Professors/Academic Coordinators. 
• The company letter should offer an internship or practicum with a specific end date to match the end date of the professor's grading period. Letters offering regular employment or open-ended jobs are not acceptable. 
• The student must provide sufficient documentation regarding the full-time or part-time status of their CPT, and the number of hours of course credit enrollment for that semester.

Students are not legal to work until they receive approval documents from the Center for International Education Services. Do not work before receiving approval from CIES. Any amount of time spent working without approval is considered a violation of the United States Code of Federal Regulations and is a violation of F-1 visa status. [8CFR 214.2 (f)(10)]"

Please see both of these forms for more information: Curricular Practical Training Form.