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CPT Eligibility

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is an integral and required part of an established curriculum. Under , practical training must be a required component for successful completion of the degree program. It cannot be an optional internship.

To be eligible for CPT:

• Your degree program must include an internship, practicum, or cooperative education requirement that is required for successful completion of the program, as specified in the University catalog.
• F-1 students must have been enrolled for one full academic year before participating in CPT. An exception may apply to graduate students whose degree program requires immediate participation in CPT as an integral and required part of the curriculum.
• You must have a job offer that is directly related to your program of study.

CPT Authorization

• You must obtain a new I-20 with CPT Authorization before beginning any internship.
• CPT authorization is issued for a specific employer, position, location, and period of authorized employment. A separate CPT authorization is required for each employer and each CPT period. CPT periods are authorized on a semester and/or official school-break basis, one period at a time.
• Do not begin a paid or unpaid internship before CPT authorization has been issued. Beginning employment before the CPT start date listed on your I-20 constitutes unauthorized employment and is a violation of your F-1 status.
• Students authorized for CPT may intern up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Full-time CPT may be authorized during an official school break when the CPT meets all eligibility requirements.