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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of temporary off-campus employment available to F-1 students. Please note that the student cannot start this type of employment without prior authorization.  The deadline for applying for CPT is two weeks after the semester start date.  Please plan ahead to ensure that your CPT is authorized in time.

Eligibility

• Must have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year prior to authorization date
• Must be in good F-1 status
• Must be in good standing with the school
• Must have attended an Employment Workshop in the previous semester, or no later than the first two weeks of the current semester  
• IEP students are not eligible
• Other requirements specific to type of authorization. See below

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is temporary off-campus employment authorization in the student’s field of study. This kind of work authorization is employer specific, so you need to find employment before applying. CPT is not available to you once you have completed your program of study.

How to apply for CPT:

·        Attend Employment Workshop

·        Get letter from employer

·        Get letter from CPT supervisor (professor or academic advisor)

·        Register for CPT course

·        Fill out CPT form

·        Meet with advisor at ISSS and bring form and letters with you

Note: All these points are covered in detail during the Employment Workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1)      Does CPT have to be related to my field of study?

Answer: Yes. Come to an employment workshop for more details.

2)      How many hours of CPT can I be authorized for?

Answer: A student can do part time CPT (up to 20 hours) while school is in session and full time (more than 20 hours/week) during breaks.  However, specific authorization must be requested in advance for full time employment during breaks.

3)      Can I start working before the application has been processed?

Answer: No. Any work performed without authorization is considered illegal. You can not start working until you receive written authorization from ISSS.

4)      Can I hold a GRA and do CPT at the same time?

Answer: It all depends on your situation, so please come to an Employment Workshop to learn about it.

5)      Is it possible to do full time CPT while school is in session?

Answer: This is rarely authorized. It all depends on your situation, so please come to an Employment Workshop to learn about it.