What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Curricular Practical Training is defined to be 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. (Per F-1 Regulations: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) )

As an F-1 student, you may be authorized to participate in a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program that is an integral part of an established curriculum.

CPT Eligibility

Students are eligible for CPT when they meet the following requirements:

• Have active F-1 status. (CPT cannot begin before the start date of an I-20.)

• Have completed one year of full-time academic study in the U.S. 

  • OR Enrolled in a graduate degree program that require immediate participation in CPT because practical training is an integral part of the curriculum.

• Enrolled full-time and continue to be enrolled full-time while on CPT. (Students placed on RCL or LOA will lose CPT eligibility until they are re-enrolled full-time the next time.)

• Are making normal academic progress. (Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 CUM GPA.)

• Are registered for an internship/practicum/fieldwork course by the time you request CPT.

  • Note: Some graduate programs may have required internship/experiential learning requirements that may not require academic credits.

Important Notes:

• OPT Ineligibility: Use of 12 months or more of full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) at the same degree level will make an F-1 student ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Use of part-time CPT does not negatively affect eligibility of OPT.

• Students should be mindful to keep all records of CPT and the academic work related to CPT, and how that employment is integral to the degree program. Students will need to retain copies of all previous CPT I-20s when applying later for OPT.

• CPT can be paid or unpaid - Any off-campus work experience should be authorized, whether paid or unpaid.