Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

If your program requires a practicum for degree completion or a for-unit internship you may qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization. CPT is an F-1 benefit used for any type of experiential learning that takes place while a student is physically present in the U.S. CPT is needed for any curricular placement or for-unit internship, paid or unpaid, including:

• Internships/practicums required for degree completion.
• Internships tied to BU courses for academic units.
• Off-campus placements arranged by BU for graduate thesis or dissertation research required to complete your degree.

Understanding CPT

• CPT must be integral to your program and directly related to your major program of study. Internships for a minor qualify only if linked to your major. Internship opportunities that are not a program requirement do not qualify for CPT. An internship or employment opportunity that offers “excellent” or “relevant” experience to your major for resume building but is not required must be authorized through Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) before you can accept the position.
• CPT authorization must be authorized by the ISSO for every experiential learning opportunity that occurs off campus.
• CPT can be either paid or unpaid. Even if your experiential learning opportunity is unpaid, you still require CPT authorization.
• CPT authorization is required prior to the intended start date of the experiential learning. Beginning CPT without authorization is a violation of F-1 status.
• CPT can be either full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week)
• CPT is employer, location, full-time/part-time, and date specific. The employer’s name, address and the start and end dates must be authorized by ISSO in advance.

CPT Eligibility

To qualify for CPT, you must be in active F-1 status and have completed one full academic year of full-time study in your degree program (excluding intensive English programs).

Exception: Graduate students whose programs require immediate internships are exempt from this one-year rule.

Important: If you lose F-1 status and reenter the U.S. with a new “Initial Attendance” I-20, your CPT eligibility resets—you must complete one full academic year after reentry in order to be eligible for CPT.

Changing to F-1 status within the U.S. may affect CPT eligibility. Consult an ISSO advisor if applying for CPT within two terms of this change.

Part-Time or Full-Time CPT

CPT can be authorized part-time or full-time.

• Academic requirements define allowable CPT length.
• Twelve or more months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.

Part-Time CPT: 20 hours or less per week. Full-time course load is required in Fall/Spring terms.

Full-Time CPT: Over 20 hours per week. Full-Time CPT is typically authorized by ISSO in summer unless otherwise required to meet academic requirements.

Request for CPT Authorization

To request CPT authorization:

1. Work with your academic advisor to understand what, if any, experiential learning opportunities are required in your program
2. Obtain an official internship/practicum job offer.
3. Register for the related course in the term you will participate.
4. Log into ISSOPortal, go to Request Center, and submit a CPT – Add New request.
5. Complete the questionnaire, upload required documents, and confirm you understand the conditions to maintain status.
6. Provide the name and email of the BU staff or faculty academic approver. This approver is different in each department. Please confirm the correct contact with your academic advisor. Once submitted, your academic approver will receive an email with instructions from ISSO.
7. After academic approval, ISSO will review and update the status within 10 business days.
8. Download your new I-20 with CPT authorization from the ISSOPortal Document Center.

Application guidance:

• Apply several weeks in advance. ISSO processing time is within 10 business days from receipt of a complete request. Allow for time required for academic approvers etc.
• Begin your internship only after receiving your CPT-authorized I-20.
• CPT authorization is employer, location, and date-specific; any changes require reapplication.
• Unauthorized work before CPT approval or outside authorized dates is a violation and risks termination of your F-1 status.
• Traveling outside of the U.S. while on a period of authorized CPT is risky and not advised.

Volunteering

If you are participating in an internship or placement that is required for your degree program or required for units, then CPT authorization is required. CPT is required whether or not you will be paid for the placement.

If you wish to volunteer for an organization in a role that is not a curricular requirement and not paid, volunteering without ISSO authorization may be permissible in limited circumstances. Check with an ISSO advisor prior to undertaking any volunteer activities.

CPT FAQ’s

Review CPT FAQs for guidance on CPT limits, unpaid internships, and employment verification and taxation rules.