CPT Eligibility Requirements: The student is currently in the U.S. in valid F-1 status. The student has been enrolled on a full time basis in the current program of study for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semesters) immediately prior to the start of the training or work.
Eligibility for CPT Be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year). Secure an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to the student's field of study. Obtain CPT authorization BEFORE beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated.
ESL and non-degree students (VISP, exchange, certificate) are not eligible for CPT.
To obtain CPT, a student must: Be in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (1 academic year). Secure an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to the student's field of study. Obtain CPT authorization BEFORE beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated.
CPT is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school which must be "an integral part of an established curriculum" (8 CFR 241.2(f)(10)).
If all requirements are met, the advisor will approve your CPT and create a CPT I-20 showing this approval. Normal processing time is 1-2 weeks. Expect processing time to be 2 full weeks during peak request times such as April, September and January. You will receive an e-mail once your CPT I-20 is ready.
No employer sponsorship is needed for students to work using CPT. However, the application requires the employer to provide a job offer letter indicating the student's name, job title and job duties, number of hours/week (or full-time/part-time), location of employment and employment start and end dates.
No employer sponsorship is needed for students to work using CPT. However, the application requires the employer to provide a job offer letter indicating the student's name, job title and job duties, number of hours/week (or full-time/part-time), location of employment and employment start and end dates.
CPT is authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) at International Student Services (ISS). It may take ISS 15 business days to review and approve a student's CPT request. An F-1 student must request authorization from the school at which they are enrolled full-time with their F-1 I-20.