Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can be an internship or practicum related to your major field of study that is either:
- A course or required part of your curriculum ,or
- An internship or cooperative work experience in which you enroll through the Career Center Career Experience Opportunity (CEO) office.
Note these criteria for CPT:
- You obtain your authorization for CPT from the International Center, not USCIS.
- You may use CPT for full-time or part-time employment. Part time is 20 hours per week or less. Full time is over 20 hours per week
- CPT MUST be authorized prior to the start of employment!
- Authorization for 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). (See section below for information on OPT.)
- All employment and internships must be authorized prior to the start of employment. Immigration regulations do not distinguish between paid employment and volunteer work.
- Registration for an internship course may also necessitate CPT authorization. See an IC adviser if you plan to register for an "internship" class.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Form
This form is used to request employment authorization for an internship: You must apply for and receive CPT authorization if you are registered for an internship class and you must not start employment until authorization has been granted by the IC adviser.
All forms are available in alternative format upon request.