Curricular Practical Training (CPT): A Guide for Faculty and Staff

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization available to eligible F-1 international students when practical work experience in the U.S. is an integral part of their academic program.

Faculty and staff often play an important role in helping students identify experiential learning opportunities. Understanding the basics of CPT can help ensure students receive appropriate guidance before beginning employment.

What is CPT?

CPT allows eligible F-1 students to participate in off-campus employment that is directly related to their major field of study and fulfills an academic purpose. Examples may include internships, practicums, clinical placements, or other required or unit-bearing experiential learning opportunities.

Students must receive CPT authorization from the university’s international student office before they begin employment. Employment cannot begin until the authorization has been approved and the CPT start date has arrived. CPT is required for all off campus experiential learning opportunities whether they are paid or unpaid opportunities.

General Eligibility

While eligibility requirements vary by academic program, students generally must:

  • Maintain valid F-1 student status
  • Be enrolled in an eligible academic program where students must complete experiential learning experiences, such as an internship for a) completing a graduation requirement OR b) completing a course for units that includes experiential learning
  • Have a qualifying employment opportunity that is directly related to their major
  • Meet any academic requirements established by their program
  • Receive CPT authorization before beginning work

Not all internships or employment opportunities qualify for CPT. Opportunities that are not integral to the academic program but would be beneficial for a student’s resume are not eligible for CPT. Students should pursue Pre-Completion OPT with their ISSO Advisor in this case.

The Role of Faculty and Academic Departments

Faculty and academic departments are responsible for confirming that the proposed employment has an academic connection to the student’s program of study. During the process of applying for CPT, students will be required to list a designated departmental faculty/staff member (as designated by the department) as an “Academic Approver”. The Academic Approver is responsible for reviewing the student’s submitted request to:

  • Verify that the experience is appropriate for the student’s academic program
  • Confirm whether the experience is required for the curriculum or associated with academic units
  • Approve internship or practicum enrollment, when applicable
  • Provide supporting documentation as part of the CPT request process, when applicable

The ISSO determines whether the student meets the immigration requirements for CPT authorization.

Important Reminders

Faculty and staff should keep the following in mind:

  • Students may not begin working until CPT has been authorized
  • CPT authorization is employer-specific, location-specific, and valid only for the approved dates during the same term as the student is enrolled in the CPT eligible course
  • Changes to an internship or employment, including the employer, work location, dates, or hours, requires updated authorization before the change takes effect
  • Employment that is not authorized under CPT or another appropriate work authorization may jeopardize a student’s F-1 immigration status

Questions?

Immigration regulations are complex, and CPT eligibility depends on both academic and federal immigration requirements. Faculty and staff with questions about a student’s eligibility or the CPT process should contact the ISSO.