International Student Services

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students when the training is an integral part of their academic program. CPT allows students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study while completing their degree. F-1 students may be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to satisfy the requirements of a required or elective internship, practicum, or fieldwork course. In all cases, the employment must form “an integral part of the established curriculum” 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i).

CPT is not guaranteed and is subject to approval by the Center for Global Learning (CGL), as well as the Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL) for undergraduate students, or the academic advisor for graduate students.



Important Notes

  • CPT cannot be used to extend the student’s program. Requests to extend the program solely to pursue CPT will not be approved.
  • All CPT applications must be submitted and approved before beginning employment.
  • CPT is not available for students whose program does not include an internship or fieldwork as part of the established curriculum.
  • Time spent lawfully enrolled full-time while in a different nonimmigrant classification can be counted towards the one academic year enrollment requirement.
  • Please note that a request for CPT is not considered submitted until your academic advisor verifies that the proposed employment satisfies the requirements of the internship course. If your start date is within less than 10 business days from the date you submit the application, we cannot guarantee that the CPT will be authorized by the requested employment start date and you would need to delay the date you begin work. Curricular practical training is granted based on program requirements rather than individual employment needs. It’s essential for both you and your employer to understand this distinction.