Curricular Practical Training

What is Curricular Practical Training?

CPT is an employment authorization available for F-1 students during their program of study for experiential learning opportunities that are necessary and integral, or required, as part of an academic program. CPT is training that is an integral part of an established curriculum” and “directly related to the student’s major area of study.” The purpose of CPT is to apply the knowledge and skills students are gaining in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S. 

Important Information

Students must be enrolled in a course that provides academic credit for CPT. CPT may be granted for either part-time (maximum of 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) employment. Students may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location, and period approved and recorded by the DSO in SEVIS. The student must have an offer of employment from an employer offering work that qualifies as CPT and receive authorization on their I-20 from the DSO before work begins. USCIS approval is not required. Students on CPT must maintain a full course load at all times unless previously approved for a reduced course load. CPT can be paid or unpaid. Intensive English Program (IEP) students are not eligible for CPT. 

CPT Eligibility Requirements

Effect of CPT on Optional Practical Training

There is no regulatory limit on either the number of times or the length of time a student may engage in either part- or full-time CPT. This will be governed by the nature of the training and the requirements of your program of study. If you engage in an aggregate of 12 months or more of full-time CPT, however, you become ineligible for optional practical training at the educational level the CPT is authorized. 

Important Reminders About CPT

• If the CPT application is approved, the DSO will inform USCIS and will issue a new I-20 with CPT authorization. CPT cannot begin until authorized by the Center for Global Engagement. If there are any changes regarding your employment, you must notify the DSO.
• You must apply for and receive a Social Security number prior to beginning work.
• CPT is employer-specific and limited to the dates approved on the I-20.
• CPT authorization is required for all off-campus work, including unpaid internships.
• Continue full-time enrollment, and do not exceed authorized work hours.
• CPT must be renewed each semester if continuing employment.
• It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students, including employment regulations. Working without the proper authorization is a serious violation of F-1 status and may jeopardize your stay in the United States. 

How to Apply

1. Make an appointment with the Center for Global Engagement to discuss your plans for CPT and to plan accordingly. Send an email to international@elgin.edu to make an appointment. 
2. Complete the Curricular Practical Training Application
3. Enroll in and provide proof of registration for the course for which you are requesting CPT.
4. Obtain an employment/internship offer letter. You must have an offer of employment before receiving the CPT authorization. To qualify for CPT, you must have a job or internship offer from a qualifying employer. The employer should provide a letter written on company letterhead that provides the following information: 
   • Address where your training will take place (internship/job site address) 
   • Supervisor name and contact information 
   • Detailed description of internship or job duties 
   • Start and end dates of your internship 
   • Expected hours per week 

   If you are using CPT for a clinical or experiential learning requirement, please obtain a letter from your program director written on ECC letterhead with the following information: 

   • Address where your training will take place (site address) 
   • Supervisor name and contact information 
   • Course related to the CPT training activities 
   • Start and end dates of CPT training activities 
   • Hours per week  
5.  Request a letter from the international Academic Advisor or Department Program Director recommending CPT is either 1) based on a mandatory graduation requirement or 2) is an integral part of the academic program of study for which you will receive academic credit. If the CPT recommendation is based on a mandatory requirement, please attach a copy of the course description verifying that this is mandatory.
6. Submit a copy of your Social Security card (if you don’t have a Social Security number, you will need to apply for one). 
7. Submit a copy of the identify page of your passport page. 
8. Submit a copy of your most recent I-94. 
9. Schedule an appointment with the Center for Global Engagement. At the appointment, the DSO will review your application and discuss what type of employment you will be engaging in. If CPT is recommended, the DSO will issue a new I-20 recommending CPT.