Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F‑1 students to gain practical work experience that is directly related to the academic program. Essentially, it's an internship, coop or similar experience offered through a partnership between your school and an employer, and it must be a required or integral part of the established curriculum.
Fall 2026 CPT Workshop Dates (An email will be sent out with the teams link. All sessions are virtual.)
CPT FAQs
Full‑Time CPT: More than 20 hours per week. Accumulating 12 months (1 year) of full‑time CPT eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). To protect OPT eligibility, students are strongly advised to limit full‑time CPT to no more than 11 months.
Part Time CPT: 20 hours or less per week. Any amount of work within that limit is permissible. Participation in part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.
To be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), students must meet all of the following requirements:
- The training must be directly related to a student’s major.
- The student has been enrolled full-time for one academic year or is enrolled in a program that requires an internship or practicum before the one‑year eligibility period is met.
- Training is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum. An offer letter is required before CPT can be authorized.
Graduate students on an assistantship who work 20 hours per week are required to complete a GA Workload Waiver. Approval must be obtained from the Department Chair or Program Director, and the waiver must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School before submitting a CPT request.
- The student must meet all eligibility requirements.
- Student requests CPT by logging in to the Global Cardinal Portal and completing the CPT request form.
- The Academic Advisor or Program Director will receive an email to approve or deny the CPT request. If approved, the form is sent to your international student advisor (Designated School Official).
- If your CPT is approved, a copy of your Form I‑20 with the CPT authorization will be sent to you. Please allow around 1–2 business days for ISSS to create your Form I‑20 with the CPT authorization. A copy of your I‑20 will also be available in Terra Dotta.
- The student signs the Form I‑20 and applies for a Social Security number (SSN), if necessary.
- The student can begin working on the CPT start date shown on the Form I‑20.
- Do not start working before you receive your I-20 with CPT authorization or before the CPT start date on your I-20.
- Students must have an internship, coop or training opportunity before CPT can be authorized.
- CPT must be authorized in SEVIS before the student can begin work. The CPT start date is the first day a student is eligible to work. Do not start working before you receive your I-20 with CPT authorization or before the CPT start date on your I-20.
- CPT is employer specific. If you receive a new CPT offer, you need to submit a new CPT request in the Global Cardinal Portal.