Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) gives F-1 students an opportunity for work experience in the
CPT can be used for any (summer, fall or spring) work term. Students can work as much as they like using CPT, but if they are authorized to work more than 12 months of full-time CPT, they are not eligible for OPT. Co-op students typically use CPT for three work terms totaling less than 12 months and OPT for a summer work term in order to meet the four-work term requirement for the co-op designation.
Process for Using CPT: Students who have accepted a job offer must have a letter of approval from the Division of Professional Practice to be able to apply for CPT through the Office of International Education. It takes OIE five working days to process the authorization. Students will receive a new I-20 with the CPT authorization, which includes the employer's name and address and the dates of employment. Students can work only during the dates authorized on the I-20. The I-20 with the CPT authorization is proof of employment eligibility, which students need to take to their co-op advisor and employer. The co-op advisor will give students approval to register for the co-op class upon obtaining a copy of the new I-20.
