To be approved for CPT, a student must:

• Have been in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year). 

Exceptions to the one Academic Year Requirement: 

• • Graduate programs that require an internship for all students prior to completion of the first academic year.  

  • Students who have changed status to F-1 from another visa status and have been continually enrolled full-time for at least one academic year combined between both statuses.

• Have secured an offer for a role that satisfy a program requirement and/or for which they will receive academic credit. 

  • NOTE: Positions must be appropriate to the student's level of study and major field of study. Retail sales, food service, and other unskilled positions will be denied.

• Obtain CPT authorization from a Simmons Designated School Official (DSO) and an updated I-20 form BEFORE beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated.

• • Option 1: Required for Degree - An internship, practicum, or other training experience is required for all students in the degree program.

  • Option 2: Enrolled in a Course for Academic Credit - Student will earn academic credit towards their degree. For example:

    • Option 2a: The student is enrolled in a course that requires an internship, practicum, or other training for course completion. In the past Simmons students have taken courses such as the following to be approved for CPT: ECON 370, BIO 370, COMM 370)

    • Option 2b: The student is enrolled in a research course and conducting the research off-campus.

  • Option 3: Required for Thesis/Dissertation - For graduate students who require training for completion of their thesis or dissertation. Enrollment in dissertation/thesis credits required.

• Part-time CPT (20 hours/week or less)

  1. Students can participate in part-time CPT during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

• Full-time CPT (20+ hours/week)

  1. A student may participate in full time CPT during the fall, spring, or summer semester.

  2. CAUTION: 12 months of Full-time CPT makes student ineligible for post-graduation OPT. 

Yes, you need to apply for CPT even if you are not physically on U.S. soil. This is because you are still employed by a U.S. based company. 

Obtain an employment offer letter on the company's letterhead, signed by the hiring manager that contains ALL of the requirements listed below. Provide a copy of this letter your Academic Advisor and email a copy along with the CPT Application to the CGE email: cge@simmons.edu.

This letter must include:

• Your full legal name

• Job title

• Brief description of the goals, objectives, and/or expected duties of your employment

• Exact start date and end date for your employment

• Full physical address of your employment including street address city, state and zip code.

  • If the job duties will be performed remotely, this should be indicated in the letter.

  • If the remote address is not in the letter, the student can provide the address in the CPT Application. (found at bottom of page!)

• Number of hours you are expected to work per week

• Name and email address of your supervisor

• Expected salary for your position

Past courses student's at Simmons have enrolled in to be approved for CPT Approval include the following: 

• BUS 370

• BIOL 370 / BIOL 350

• CHEM 370 / CHEM 250 / CHEM 150

• COMM 370

• CS 370

• MATH 370

• SW 370-01

• SW 370-02

Submit the CGE CPT Application Form to CGE at our email: cge@simmons.edu 

• You will need to get a signature from your designated Academic Advisor 

• Submit your CPT request at least 2 weeks before your start date to give CGE time to review your request and issue the CPT I-20.

• You may not begin working until you have received an updated I-20 form with the CPT authorization on page two. Working prior to receiving approval and/or before the CPT start date is considered a violation of your F-1 status.

Once received, the CGE will review your eligibility and process your CPT request within 3 business days.

• If approved, the CPT I-20 will be issued and provided to you via your Simmons email. 

• You may begin working after your CPT start date and after you have received the CPT I-20.

Look over your program of study and determine if CPT (internship, research, employment) is required for all students in your designated degree. If not, review the courses you can enroll in for-credit that will count towards your major requirements. Discuss your plans with your Academic Advisor as they must sign your CPT Request Form.