Curricular Practical Training - CPT

International students are eligible to request CPT Work Authorization after they have completed 9 consecutive months or one academic year in a skill based major.  Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, be a full-time student, and have completed 50% of the required program core courses or the full certificate program. They must also be enrolled in the internship course associated with the program.

To request CPT Work Authorization:

• Go the ISO to request Part 1 of the CPT form. Read the instructions, fill it out and return it to the ISO. The ISO will notify the student if he/she is eligible to do CPT.
• If you are approved, pick up Part 2 of the CPT form, fill in all required information and get all required signatures.
• Enroll in the required internship course for your program.  You CANNOT participate in CPT unless you are enrolled in your required internship course.
• Return Part 2 of the CPT Form to the ISO.
• Receive a new I-20 showing CPT authorization. Students may not begin working until the above process has been completed and a new I-20 with work authorization has been issued.
• Students cannot do CPT for longer than one year
• While on CPT, the student can only work part time (20 hours or less per week) unless the student is on his/her vacation semester.

CPT is not a means to gain permanent off-campus employment. It is temporary employment authorization to gain practical training within the student’s course of study. For complete information, visit the ISO.