About Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training is an off-campus employment authorization, which allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their major field of study. To be eligible for Curricular Practical Training, an F-1 student must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be in F-1 visa status
• Be in a degree-seeking program
• Have completed at least one academic year (nine months) of their program in F-1 visa status
• Engage in employment related to their major or academic program
• Register for academic credit for your work experience

Keep in mind that only students in majors that require an internship for their curriculum are eligible for CPT. See the list below to see if your major qualifies you to apply.

Application Procedure for Curricular Practical Training

All of the following information must be provided to International Affairs (IA) for CPT authorization to be given. Please expect a processing time of three to seven days for IA to complete the authorization. Processing of a CPT application cannot begin until all of the following documentation has been submitted:

• Form I-20 ID
• Passport
• I-94 card (small white card)
• Proof of registration for related academic course work (Course Selection Form)
• A copy of the job offer letter with the company's letterhead obtained from the employer

The job offer letter must contain the following information:

1. Name of the Employer
2. Location of the Employer
3. Beginning and ending dates
4. Number of work hours per week

Immigration Alert!

Beginning work without authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service or IA is a serious violation of F-1 status.

Important Note:

Please be aware that a social security number is not an authorization to accept employment off-campus.

Curricular Practical Training Spotlight