Students must be in good academic and ethical standing with their respective university. International students are eligible but must follow the criteria set by their institutions' International Student Center.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an alternative work/study, internship, co-op or other type of required practical training that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with your college or university. CPT must be integral to your program of study.
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)).
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)).
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.
Practical training can provide valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you are learning in school. There are two types of practical training available for F-1 students: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).
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.
Part-time and full-time practical training is defined by immigration as: Part-time CPT- 20 hours or less per week. Full-time CPT- more than 20 hours per week.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the “immigration” term for an internship. “CO- OP” is the “BCC” term for an internship. It is the same thing. CO-OP is offered to any student that is in a major in which a CO-OP is offered.