Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an F-1 student may be authorized by the Designated SEVIS Officer (DSO) to participate in a Curricular Practical Training Program (CPT) that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined as an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Students who have received one year or more of full-time curricular practical training are ineligible for post-completion academic training. Exceptions to the one academic year requirement are provided for students enrolled in graduate studies that require immediate participation in curricular practical training. A request for authorization for curricular practical training must be made to our office. A student may begin curricular practical training only after receiving his or her Form I-20 with the appropriate endorsement from the International Students and Scholars Office.

With approval from the student’s academic department, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will authorize full-time curricular practical training (CPT) for graduate and undergraduate students who are in their final semester. Graduate students must have no more than six (6) credits remaining to complete degree requirements. ISSO authorization is contingent upon the approval of the graduate coordinator and department chair. International students must fill out a Full-Time CPT Petition (available in the ISSO Office) to apply for full-time curricular practical training. Requirements for approval are outlined on the form.