Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

On this page: CPT Tutorial • Hours and Duration • Eligibility Criteria • How to Apply • CPT Offer Letter Requirements • How many times can I participate in CPT? • How does CPT authorization affect my on-campus employment? • Maintain Your Status on CPT • Social Security and Taxes

IMPORTANT CPT is required for both paid and unpaid positions. Working off campus without authorization is a violation of your status which will result in your I-20 being terminated without the option for reinstatement.

Hours and Duration

In general, CPT is authorized for one semester at a time. CPT is limited to part-time employment (up to 20 hours/week) during the fall and spring semesters* and can be authorized part-time or full-time (more than 20 hours/week) during official school breaks.

*If you are a graduate student who has completed all coursework you may be eligible for full-time CPT during the fall and spring semester.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are in F-1 status.
• You have been enrolled full-time for one full academic year (consecutive fall and spring semesters) in valid U.S. immigration status. If you are studying remotely without an active I-20 record, you must enter the U.S. in F-1 status and enroll for one full academic year before becoming eligible for CPT.*
• You meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements:
  • Undergraduates: 2.0
  • Graduates: 3.0
  • Law: 2.0
• You have declared a major.
• Your proposed practical training is an integral and required part of your program’s established curriculum or integral and required to complete your thesis, dissertation, or Master's project.
• There is an applicable cooperative agreement between the university and the employer.
• You have registered for units required by your program to participate in the experience or thesis, dissertation or research units. If your summer CPT is for thesis or dissertation, you can show enrollment for the summer or the following fall semester.

*There are exceptions to the one-academic year requirement for graduate students in programs that require immediate participation in curricular practical training for all students. Meet with an international student advisor for more information.

How to Apply

IMPORTANT We review and approve CPT requests on a case-by-case basis. We strongly encourage you to meet with an international student advisor to discuss your eligibility for CPT before you sign any offer letter or commit to an off-campus position.

1. Submit the CPT e-form at least 2 weeks before your proposed start date.
   • Upload an offer letter, printed on company letterhead, with the required information (see below).
2. Enter the name and email address for your academic or faculty advisor or graduate program contact, so they can confirm your degree completion date, the curricular requirement for the CPT training, and the applicable cooperative agreement with the prospective employer.

Normal processing time is 10 business days from the date your departmental contact submits the advisor portion of the e-form. CPT requests submitted from this point forward may require additional processing time.

CPT Offer Letter Requirements

The offer letter that you upload with your CPT request must include the following information:

• Job or position title
• Position duties
• Company information
• Hours per week
• Start and end dates
• Supervision plan (if working remotely)

Your employer can use our CPT Offer Letter Template (must be printed on company letterhead) or provide their own letter, as long as it includes the required information.

How many times can I participate in CPT?

The number of times you can participate in CPT depends on your major and degree requirements. If you have already done CPT and need to do another CPT, you must submit a new request in MyGlobal. As part of the new request, we will ask your academic advisor to provide additional information about what learning outcomes were met during the previous period of CPT and what will be accomplished during the next CPT. The CPT must fulfill an integral and required part of the curriculum. It cannot be used solely for career development or to facilitate employment.

How does CPT authorization affect my on-campus employment?

CPT and on-campus employment are separate types of work authorization. You may be employed on campus and off campus through CPT at the same time.

Maintain Your Status on CPT

While on CPT you must:

• Make normal progress towards your degree
• Maintain full-time enrollment
• Work only during your authorized CPT dates
• Work only for your authorized employer

While on CPT you may not:

• Delay completion of your degree to participate in CPT
• Begin working before your CPT has been approved
• Work beyond your authorized CPT dates
• Work for an employer or at a location not authorized on your I-20

Social Security and Taxes

If your CPT experience is paid and you don’t already have a Social Security Number, you can apply for one after your CPT is approved (up to 30 days before your internship start date). For more information about how to apply review Social Security Number.

Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes. You must file a tax return on or before April 15 each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded. In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. less than five years are exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) taxes.