Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows you to gain practical experience off campus in your field of study. Your training must be directly related to your major/field of study and an essential part of your academic program.

Because CPT is part of your curriculum, you must enroll in a course that requires the training experience. Not all programs offer this option, so CPT is not available to every student.

“Employment” includes any activity where you receive a benefit, including academic credit. You must have CPT authorization before starting any off-campus activity, whether it is paid or unpaid, and whether it is mandatory for your academic program.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for CPT if you:

Maintain valid F-1 status
Have completed at least one academic year (two semesters) of full-time study
Have a training offer directly related to your major
Participate in an experience that is required or integral to your curriculum
Enroll in an approved internship or practicum course (minimum one credit)
If you have completed all coursework except your thesis or dissertation, your CPT must directly contribute data to that research.

Exceptions:

You may be eligible earlier if your graduate program requires immediate participation in off-campus internships or field placements
If you changed degree levels or transferred your SEVIS record, time spent in your prior program may count toward the one academic year requirement

Enrollment Requirements

You must enroll in an approved internship course during each term you request CPT (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer).

The course must be listed in the course catalog and specifically designed for practical training
The course may be required or optional, but it must apply toward completing your degree requirements
Must take the course for a minimum of 1 credit

Full-time enrollment rules:

Fall/Spring: You must be enrolled full-time or approved for a Reduced Course Load (final semester only)
Summer/Winter: Full-time enrollment, or an approved RCL, is required only if it is your final semester. If summer/winter is not your final semester, you do not need to enroll full-time

Work Hours (Full-Time vs. Part-Time)

Part-time CPT: 20 hours or less per week
Full-time CPT: More than 20 hours per week

Full-time CPT is allowed only if:

It is Summer or Winter AND it is not your final semester, or
Your program requires more than 20 hours per week, or
You are completing thesis/dissertation work and the training supports your research

Effects on OPT Eligibility:

If you accumulate 12 months of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at that degree level.
If you accumulate less than 12 months of full-time CPT, your OPT eligibility is not affected.
Part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.

How to Apply

Follow the steps below to apply for CPT. You should submit your request at least 5–7 business days before your planned start date.

If you submit a last-minute request, you must contact your academic department and VIS to inform them, and ask if expedited processing is possible.

Submitting a request in accessVIS does not give you permission to begin working. You must wait until you receive an updated Form I-20 with CPT authorization before starting any work, whether paid or unpaid.

Step 1: Prepare

Attend a CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Information Session, or review the CPT presentation slides
Discuss with your academic advisor(s)/department the availability of an internship course within your degree program, and if the course will satisfy a remaining degree requirement
Secure a training/employment offer related to your major

Step 2: Enroll in a Course

Register for an approved internship or practicum course for the semester when the training will take place (including summer & winter)

Step 3: Submit Your CPT Request

Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.
Select Employment & Training from the left menu.
Submit the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) request.

The request will be routed to your academic advisor(s)/department to verify your academic eligibility and how the training fits your program
You'll be required to upload your official offer letter, which must include:
- Start and end dates
- Hours per week
- Work location (or indicate if remote)
- Job duties
- Supervisor name
- Confirmation if the position is paid (required only for SSN applications)
- Must be signed (handwritten or official digital signature) and on official company letterhead

Sample CPT Employment Letter Template

VIS typically processes requests within 5–7 business days. If your request is approved, you will receive a new Form I-20 showing the CPT authorization.

You must not begin working until you receive your updated I-20 and your authorized start date has been reached.

Extensions and Changes

CPT authorization is only valid for the approved employer, location, dates, and part-time or full-time basis listed on your I-20. Any changes or extensions needed should follow the directions below:

If you extend CPT within the same semester, submit the Extension of CPT Authorization Request in accessVIS, providing evidence of your new proposed end date from your employer (e.g., an email or updated offer letter)
If your CPT continues into a new semester, submit a new CPT Request
If you change your employer, submit a new CPT Request

You may only continue working if:

Your current CPT authorization is still valid, or
You receive an updated I-20 with new dates

CPT cannot be approved retroactively, meaning after your work has started, or after your authorization has expired. Any work outside your approved CPT dates is unauthorized employment.

If you end your CPT early, contact your VIS advisor so your end date can be adjusted.

Additional Key Guidelines

You may only work within the authorized dates listed on your CPT I-20
You must stop working when your authorization ends, unless you receive an extension of your CPT authorization
CPT must be completed before you finish your degree
CPT cannot be authorized after completing required coursework, thesis or dissertation
You are not eligible for CPT after applying for Post-Completion OPT

Remote Internships and Activities

Remote work and internships are possible under CPT, but prior authorization is required for the following paid, or unpaid activities listed below:

Remote work/activity while inside the U.S. for an U.S. employer.
Remote work/activity while abroad for a U.S. based employer, or U.S. branch of an employer.
Remote work/activity while inside the U.S. for a foreign based employer.

CPT authorization is designed for off-campus training that closely connects to your academic learning. Your experience should include structured supervision, with regular assignments and evaluation of your work. You are expected to actively engage in a professional environment that supports your academic goals.

If you participate in a remote position, you must keep clear documentation that shows:

You had consistent supervision throughout your authorized CPT period
You actively engaged in a professional environment, even while working remotely

Internships Outside the United States

If you complete an internship outside the United States with a foreign company or a foreign branch of a U.S. company, you do not need U.S. work authorization (CPT or OPT).

You should ensure your offer letter and any employer communication clearly state that you will work outside the United States. Keep this documentation for your immigration records in case you are asked to explain your internship.

If you perform any part of this work while you are physically in the United States, you must obtain proper U.S. work authorization. Review the Remote Internships and Activities section for more information.

On-Campus Work & CPT Authorization

You may work on campus and participate in CPT at the same time. The number of hours you work on campus does not affect your authorized CPT hours.

While school is in session, you must limit your on-campus employment to 20 hours per week or less. You must also follow the work hours listed on your CPT authorization (part-time or full-time).

CPT During Final Semester

You may be authorized for CPT in your final semester if the internship is required to complete your degree, or if it provides research or data for your thesis or dissertation.

If the only requirement remaining for your degree is an internship course, your internship must include an in-person component. You cannot complete a fully remote internship if you have no other in-person or hybrid course enrollment. Your offer letter must clearly describe the location and format of your internship, including whether it is in-person, hybrid, or remote.