Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment which

• Is authorized by the director of multicultural student services
• Must be an integral part of the curriculum 
• If it is required for program completion, it will always qualify as CPT
• If it is not required for program completion, it may still qualify as CPT if it is done for academic credit and it is an integral part of the degree program.

Curricular Practical Training may be part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while the student is enrolled for classes. Students who are authorized for part time CPT must be very careful not to exceed the 20 hour/week limit. This is not an average; it is absolute.

Student eligibility for CPT:

• Student must be in lawful F-1 status.
• Student must have been enrolled for a full academic year.

Employment eligibility for CPT:

• Work must be related to your major field of studies as indicated by your current I-20.
• It must be appropriate to your degree level as well.
• The employment authorization given for CPT by the director of multicultural student services is employer specific and job specific.

Application Process:
Submit to the director of multicultural student services at least two weeks before the proposed beginning of employment:

• Completed Curricular Practical Training application form. This form requires information from your academic advisor.
• Letter from employer describing the job title, job responsibilities, begin and end dates of employment, number of hours per week, and place of employment.

The director of multicultural student services will review the information provided and make a determination if CPT is appropriate. 

The director will enter the employment authorization into the SEVIS system, and return to the student the properly endorsed I-20.

For printable version of this information:

• Curricular Practical Training (PDF/66KB)