Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

On this page: Eligibility • Hours and Duration • How to Apply • Maintaining Your Status on CPT • Social Security and Taxes • Frequently Asked Questions

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to participate in off-campus practical training that is directly related to their major field of study.

CPT may be authorized only when the 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.

CPT cannot be authorized solely for career development or to facilitate employment.

Important:

• CPT is required before you begin any off-campus practical training, whether the position is paid or unpaid.
• Working off campus without the required authorization is a violation of F-1 status and may result in termination of your SEVIS record.
• CPT cannot be backdated to authorize employment that has already occurred.

Eligibility

You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for CPT.

1. F-1 Status and Enrollment
   You are in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for one full academic year (consecutive fall and spring semesters) in valid U.S. immigration status. Time spent studying full-time in another valid nonimmigrant status may count toward the one-full-academic-year requirement if that status permitted full-time study. 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.

An exception to the one-academic-year requirement may apply to graduate programs that require all students to begin curricular practical training immediately. Meet with an international student advisor if you believe this exception applies to you. 

2. Academic Standing
   You meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements:

• Undergraduates: 2.0
• Graduates: 3.0
• Law: 2.0

3. Declared Major
   You have declared a major (undergraduates).
    
4. Integral and Required
   Your proposed practical training is directly related to your major field of study and 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.
    
5. Cooperative Agreement
   There is an applicable cooperative agreement between the university and the employer.
    
6. Required Units
   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.

Hours and Duration

CPT is generally authorized for one semester at a time.

CPT may be authorized as either:

• Part-time CPT: 20 hours or fewer per week
• Full-time CPT: more than 20 hours per week

During the fall and spring semesters, CPT is normally limited to part-time CPT. During official school breaks, CPT may be authorized for either part-time or full-time employment.

Graduate students who have completed all required coursework may be eligible for full-time CPT during the fall or spring semester.

Important: If you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will no longer be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same degree level.

How to Apply

ISS reviews CPT requests individually. We strongly encourage you to meet with an international student advisor before signing an offer letter or committing to an off-campus position.

1. Obtain an offer letter.
   Your offer letter must be printed on company letterhead and include:

• Job or position title
• Position duties
• Company information
• Number of hours per week
• Employment start date
• Employment end date
• Supervision plan, if the position will be remote

Your employer may use the CPT Offer Letter Template or provide its own letter containing all required information.

2. Submit the CPT request in MyGlobal.
   Complete the CPT e-form and provide:

• Your offer letter
• Contact information for your academic advisor or graduate program contact

3. Your academic program confirms the curricular requirement.
   Your advisor or graduate program contact must confirm your degree completion date and provide detailed information about how the CPT experience is integral and required. They must also provide supporting documentation:

• Program requirement: If the CPT experience is integral and required to your program of study, they must provide the applicable Program Requirements from the University Catalog. If the internship requirement is not explicitly listed in the Catalog, they should also provide the program handbook showing the requirement.
• Thesis, dissertation, or master's project: If the CPT experience is integral and required to complete your thesis, dissertation, or master's project, they must provide a copy of your proposal.

4. Allow time for ISS review.
   Please plan for a minimum of 15 days for CPT processing, beginning from the date your advisor submits their e-form. Processing may take longer, so plan accordingly.
    
5. Wait for CPT approval before you work.
   You may begin your practical training only after ISS has approved your CPT, you have received your updated I-20, and your authorized CPT start date has arrived.

Maintaining 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.

Frequently Asked Questions