Internships for F-1 International Students Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for International Student Internships

Curricular Practical Training What is it? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment opportunity, in the United States, available to an international student in their field of study, while in valid F-1 visa status (i.e.: student status). Why is CPT important for international students? The US Dept. of Customs & Immigration Services limits F-1 international students to on-campus work only unless other specific authorization is granted CPT is one of options that allows F-1 students the opportunity for off-campus employment

Curricular Practical Training In order to be considered CPT, the experience must be an “integral part of the established curriculum” and “directly related to the field of study”. CPT must be authorized for both paid and unpaid internship employment

Types of Curricular Practical Training “Coop or required” training (including practicums) which is a required part of the curriculum for the degree program, always meets the requirements for curricular practical training. Credit-bearing training opportunities that are an integral part of a program of study may be used for CPT provided there is an approved and established Internship course in the department’s catalog

Eligibility for Curricular Practical Training In order to be eligible a student must currently be in valid F-1 status, and have been enrolled for one full academic year. They must also meet any departmental requirements for the internship course Due to other factors, the Designated School Official in the International Programs Office will have final say in determining a student’s eligibility.

Time and Curricular Practical Training Students must apply for and use CPT prior to the completion of the academic program. Any students who have completed all their academic credits and/or have already begun thesis or project continuation are not eligible to apply for CPT. Approval will not be given for a CPT if the credits are in excess beyond the amount required and/or are not necessary to complete degree program.

Time and Curricular Practical Training The training may be full time (more than twenty hours per week) or part time (twenty hours or less per week). Students will only be authorized for full-time employment during summer and vacation periods and part-time employment during the fall and spring semesters (with one exception). CPT can be during vacation time or during the semester.

Time and Curricular Practical Training Students may only apply for part time CPT during the Fall or Spring semester with one exception: If it is the last semester of credit courses of the student’s academic program, AND the student is pre- approved for a reduced course load (RCL), AND the one course approved for the RCL and CPT is the last course they will need to take for their degree program, then the CPT can be full time.

Time and Curricular Practical Training Students may apply for full or part time CPT during their winter or summer vacations as long as it is accompanied by registration for an approved, credit bearing course.

Time and Curricular Practical Training CPT is authorized by the semester, including the winter intercession and the summer session. The time-frame for CPT for the Fall and Spring semesters is from the first day of the semester until the last day of finals. Summer CPT starts on a designated date just after the Commencement ceremony through the day before the Fall semester begins. NO CPT will be approved after July 1 for the summer. Each semester or session requires a separate CPT authorization. An employer letter, department authorization and proof of registration is required for each CPT authorization.

Applying for Curricular Practical Training If a student meets the above stated eligibility and time requirements they must : be registered for the credit bearing Internship course have a written approval from their department stating that course is an integral part of the degree program (See Sample Letter) have a confirmed offer of employment

Applying for Curricular Practical Training at WSU

The student must attend a CPT workshop sponsored by the International Programs Office (IPO). The student will discuss the CPT with their Academic Advisor, determining the feasibility of a CPT experience in the particular degree program. The department must agree that if any credits are acquired during the CPT will be used as part of the degree audit for graduation. They cannot be an “extra course”. The student may be required, at the end of the CPT, to provide documentation including but not limited to a letter from the company at the end of the CPT acknowledging that the student accepted and fulfilled the original job requirements.

Applying for Curricular Practical Training at WSU The student will seek and acquire a CPT employment opportunity which is in their field of study. The student will request a signed offer of employment on company letterhead stating the following: beginning and end dates of employment, the number of hours per week they will work, the salary, the duties of the position, full name, and full address of company location where they will be working.

Applying for Curricular Practical Training at WSU Student will return to their academic advisor and request CPT approval letter on the Department’s University letterhead. No electronic approvals can be accepted by the IPO. The approval letter must be signed by a faculty member who will be responsible for awarding the course credit, the Dean of the College, and Department Chair (undergraduates) or Graduate Program Coordinator.

Applying for Curricular Practical Training at WSU The student will register for the Internship course that will be considered CPT. Proof of registration must be presented to the International Student Advisor before CPT can be officially authorized. Student submits documents to the International Programs Office. Student brings an original letter of employment, original signed letter from department and proof of enrollment for course(s)

Applying for Curricular Practical Training at UMass Dartmouth The International Student Advisor in the IPO will access the SEVIS database record and approve the student for CPT for the dates stated on the letter of employment and the signed approval letter from the applicable academic department. The student will receive a new I-20 which will list the approval for the CPT and the dates approved for the CPT on new page three.

On Curricular Practical Training A student in Curricular Practical Training is still considered to be in F-1 status. Status must be maintained according to the regulations. The student is then required to report to the International Student Advisor as per the terms and conditions of their F- 1 student status.

Questions? Please don’t hesitate the International Programs Office staff with any questions regarding this process