Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Overview

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, clerkship, or optional/required internship or practicum, available only while the student is in F-1 status, before completion of the educational objective. There are two CPT options: full-time (over 20 hours) and part-time (20 hours or less). Full-time CPT of one year (365 days) or more will cause you to become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT); part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility. Please note that this includes any full-time internships or clerkships that are required by your program. Carefully check your program requirements prior to engagement in optional internships.

CPT Eligibility Requirements

• Must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semesters).
• Employment must be integral or relevant to your established curriculum.
• Training that is required of all students or optional for your degree or track.
• Register for the appropriate credits before applying for CPT; if you cannot receive course/research credits for the work experience, you cannot be authorized for CPT. See Registration Requirements below.
• Your International Student Advisor (ISA) will process your application for CPT. If approved, you will be issued a new I-20 that shows the CPT employment authorization on the third page. Your CPT is authorized for a specific employer, location and length of time. You may only work on CPT for the employer and length of time authorized on your I-20.

CPT Registration Requirements

Registration requirements are indicated in the chart below. If engaging in part-time CPT in the fall and spring semesters, you must register for a full course load. If engaging in full-time CPT in the fall and spring semesters, you are limited to a maximum number of credits.

How to apply for CPT

You should make an appointment to meet with your ISA prior to engaging in the internship, clerkship, or practicum. Please bring the following documents with you for your appointment:

Internship Offer Letter - In order to apply for the CPT, the offer letter from the prospective employer must:

• Be on employer letterhead, signed and dated by your supervisor/HR representative
• If you do not already have an SSN, the local SSN office requires that the offer letter be original, not electronic/copy; if you already have an SSN, the UFIC does not require an original letter
• Include the EIN number of the employer
• If you do not already have an SSN, the local SSN office requires the EIN number on the offer letter; if you already have an SSN, ISS does not require the EIN number
• Include current date
• Include your Given and Family/Surname
• Provide your position/job title
• Provide the start date and end date of the internship
• State the number of hours you are expected to work per week
• Provide the exact physical address (street, suite # if any, city, state, and zip/postal code) of where you will be working
• Provide a general description of your duties (3-5 sentences or bullet points, for example; if the company does not include the duties in the offer letter, an addendum to the offer letter must be provided)
• Include your supervisor’s name, title, and telephone number
• You may begin CPT only after receiving your new I-20 with the CPT Employment Authorization from your ISA. If all documents are in order and registration for CPT is completed, the CPT will be authorized during your appointment. No additional employment authorization is required from United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) for CPT. If you also need to apply for an SSN number, you should advise your ISA during your CPT appointment. If you have any questions regarding any type of practical training, please contact your ISA.