Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment option available to F-1 students in which work experience is considered to be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. This employment may be an internship, cooperative education job, a practicum or any other pre-approved work experience. CPT is available only prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program. CPT is not an entitled benefit. Students in English language programs are ineligible for practical training.

A student must be authorized by the International Student Advisor and obtain the new I-20 with CPT Authorization on page two prior to beginning any employment/internship/training. Working without a CPT endorsed I-20 is a serious violation of your F-1 visa status and may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and forfeit your ability to remain in the US.

The following are answers to several frequently asked questions.

Am I eligible to apply for CPT?

You are eligible for CPT if you meet the following criteria:

• Meet the departmental academic internship criteria
• Have held legal student status for one academic year except when early participation is mandated by the program. Change of Education Level and Transfer students will be eligible after their first full-time semester in the new level
• Have a job offer that is related to your major field of study and is an integral part of your degree program
• CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States

Your CPT must fall into one of these categories:

• Optional Part of Degree Program
  If employment in your field of study is not a required part of your degree program, you may participate as long as it is registered for academic credit and is supervised by a faculty member.
• Required Part of Degree Program
  If your degree program requires employment in your field of study to graduate, you may participate in CPT as long as you meet the other requirements of lawful status.

How do I maintain my CPT eligibility?

You must be maintaining your F-1 student status throughout your CPT. While school is in session, you are only authorized to work a total of 20 hours per week in all combined employment unless academic requirements mandate otherwise.

Part-time CPT

• Work 20 hours or less per week
• Meet regulatory enrollment requirements for the term enrolled
• Register for credit within your program of study

Full-time CPT:

• Work 21 hours or more per week
• Allowed ONLY during vacation periods unless mandated by program requirements

Can I apply for OPT after I have completed CPT?

Students are eligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) if they have not accumulated 12 months of full-time CPT. Because of the way classes are designed, no international student at UT will receive 12 months of full-time CPT during their degree program.

How can I apply for CPT?

• Check eligibility with International Programs Office
• Receive offer letter for internship. You can search for internships on Handshake. Research opportunities related to your major. here ut.edu/career/exploration/where, use the Job Search Toolbox, and/or make an appointment with a Career Coach in the Career Services Office.
• College of Business students only: attend an internship registration session with Dr. Dean Koutroumanis
• Apply for credit approval with the Office of Career Services. You can schedule an appointment or attend an internship drop-in session.
• Complete credit approval process (Career Services, Employer, Faculty).
• Complete the online Curricular Practical Training (CPT) request via your ISSS Portal profile in the Request & Document Center.
• As a part of the CPT application, you will send an electronic request to your Faculty Internship Coordinator to confirm the academic nature of your work experience. Approval must be received before your DSO will be able to review your CPT request.
• International Student Advisor (DSO) will review and process your request between 2-5 business days after being approved by your Internship Coordinator.
• Receive e-mail notification from IPO to access your I-20 with CPT authorization.
• Start employment only after receiving I-20 with CPT authorization and on or after the CPT start date listed on page two of your I-20.
• Your new SEVIS I-20 with the CPT Authorization is your proof of work eligibility. Bring a copy to your employer’s HR office.

Contact

For more information about CPT and how to apply please contact:

The Office of International Programs
Grand Center 103
(813) 258-7433

 

Or visit Curricular Practical Training