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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Updated September 8, 2026, in accordance with SEVP Broadcast Message 2608-02, announced August 24, 2026,

What is CPT?

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students when practical training is an integral and required part of the student's established curriculum.
• CPT may include internships, cooperative education, alternative work/study programs, or other practical training experiences that are:
  • Required by the student's degree program.
  • Directly related to the student's major.
  • Part of an established curricular requirement.

CPT is intended to fulfill a curricular requirement—not simply to gain work experience or earn income.

• Under the updated SEVP guidance, an internship or practical training experience that is optional or available only as an elective does not establish eligibility for CPT.

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CPT Requirements

The practical training must:

• Be an integral and required part of the established curriculum.
• Be directly related to the student's major.
• Fulfill a curricular requirement of the degree program.
• Be supported by the student's academic program.
• Be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) before employment begins.
• Be authorized for specific dates and employment terms.

Important: Students must not begin employment until CPT has been authorized by OISSS and the authorization appears on page 2 of the Form I-20. Students may not work outside the approved dates, employer, or other terms of the authorization.

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Who is Eligible for CPT?

To be considered for CPT, a student must:

• Have been lawfully enrolled in F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
• Maintain lawful F-1 status.
• Be in good academic standing.
• Be making progress toward degree completion.
• Be enrolled in the course or curricular component through which CPT is required and administered.
• Demonstrate that the practical training is an integral and required part of the established curriculum and directly related to the major.

CPT cannot be used to delay degree completion or after all degree requirements have been completed.

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Is an Internship Course Enough to Qualify for CPT?

• No, simply enrolling in an internship, practicum, or experiential-learning course does not automatically qualify a student for CPT.
• Under SEVP Broadcast Message 2608-02, the practical training must be an integral and required part of the established curriculum. If the practical training is optional, such as an elective that students may choose instead of another way to meet a requirement, it may not qualify for CPT.

Students should:

• Consult their academic advisor to confirm that the practical training is a required part of their degree program.
• Be prepared to provide additional documentation if OISSS needs to verify the curricular requirement.

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How Do I Apply for CPT?

1. Step 1: Confirm CPT is a Required Degree Requirement: Before accepting employment or enrolling in an internship course for CPT purposes, confirm with your academic advisor that the practical training is a required and integral component of your established curriculum.
2. Step 2: Register for CPT-Related Credit: Enroll in the course or curricular component through which CPT is required and administered, as directed by your academic program.
3. Step 3: Submit the CPT Request e-Form: Complete the CPT Request e-form through the iRocket Portal.
   1. Part A – Student: Provide the required information and upload an employment letter that includes:
      • Position title
      • Position description
      • Salary or hourly wage
      • Number of hours per week
      • Employment start and end dates
   2. Part B – Academic Advisor Recommendation: Your academic advisor must confirm that the practical training:
      • Is an integral and required part of your established curriculum.
      • Is directly related to your major.
      • No advisor recommendation = No CPT authorization.
   3. Step 4: DSO Review: Allow 3–5 business days for a DSO to review and approve or deny your request. Additional time may be needed if OISSS requires clarification or supporting documentation.
      • We strongly recommend submitting your CPT request at least two weeks before your intended employment start date.
      • Do not begin working while your CPT request is pending. You may begin employment only after CPT is authorized and appears on page 2 of your Form I-20.

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Can CPT Be Part-Time or Full-Time?

CPT may be authorized part-time or full-time when all CPT requirements are met and the practical training is required by the established curriculum.

Part-Time CPT

• 20 hours or fewer per week
• May be authorized when required by the student's curriculum.
• During Fall/Spring, students must maintain a full course of study:
• Undergraduate: 12 credit hours
• Graduate: 9 credit hours

Full-Time CPT

• More than 20 hours per week
• May be authorized when required by the student's curriculum.
• May generally be authorized during the annual summer vacation period when curricular requirements are met.
• During Fall/Spring, full-time CPT may be authorized only when required by the student's degree program and when all CPT requirements are met.

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CPT and OPT Limitation

Students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same educational level.  Students should carefully consider the amount and timing of full-time CPT before accepting authorization.

Questions?

If you are unsure whether your program includes a qualifying CPT requirement, consult your academic advisor and OISSS before accepting employment or beginning any practical training experience.