F-1 CPT TRAINING G

International Student Affairs

Types of Practical Training

The purpose of practical training is to allow F-1

students the opportunity to apply theoretical

knowledge obtained in academic programs to a

practical work experience.

• The student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic (must include Fall and Spring semester) year before being eligible for CPT.

• An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require immediate curricular practical training.

• It is available only while the student is in valid F-1 status and before the completion of his-her program. Students in English Language Programs are not eligible for CPT.

Part-time Training- During the school year while classes are in session, students can engage in CPT on a part-time basis, limited to no more than 20 hours per week. There is no limitation on the length of time you may participate in part-time curricular practical training, but you must be maintaining lawful F-1 status.

Full-Time Training- A student can engage in full-time CPT during official University breaks and vacation. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in full-time CPT, however, if you participate in 12 months or more of curricular practical training you will not be eligible for post-completion practical training.

Provide the official offer letter on company letterhead that is signed by the prospective employer. The letter should include the employer’s name, address, dates of employment, a job description and indication of full or part time hours.

Student must take job offer letter and CPT form to the Career Services Department, (Fairchild Building, Room 152). Then complete the Career Services form. Student then brings both letters and form to ISA. This procedure must be done each semester.

A new I-20 is generated each semester. No INS approval is required.

Student may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location and period approved and recorded by the DSO.