Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization which allows you to gain practical training and experience in your field of study while completing your academic program. CPT is available if you want to accept an off-campus job offer or internship. CPT is authorized one semester at a time for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (21-40 hours per week) employment. You must have an offer letter related to your course of study in order to apply.

Students who accumulate over 12 months of full-time CPT during an academic program become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of that degree.

Specific questions about CPT should be discussed with an ISSO advisor or you can email the ISSO.

Eligibility

Both the student and the job opportunity must adhere to Department of Homeland Security regulations in order to qualify for CPT.

To be eligible for CPT authorization you must:
  • Be a degree-seeking student who is maintaining F-1 status
  • Have maintained F-1 status at the college/university level for one full academic year at the time your CPT begins
    Exception: If you are a graduate student and your program requires practical training during the first year, you can be authorized for CPT immediately
  • Have declared a major
  • Have obtained a job offer for a position related to your major
  • Not have any holds that prevent you from registering for the semester

Non-degree and English Language Institute (ELI) students are ineligible for CPT.

For your position to qualify for CPT it must:

  • Be an "integral" part of your academic program
  • Your academic advisor will indicate if the opportunity is "required" or "recommended" for your degree
  • Not interfere with your ability to complete your other required coursework
    Remember: You are a student first! Your immigration status is dependent upon being a student; work authorization is an added benefit but your studies must take priority
  • Have a start date in the future
    The ISSO cannot retroactively approve CPT. You cannot begin working until our office has approved your CPT and you have an 1-20 approval for CPT

International Student Experiences with CPT

Hear from International Students at Suffolk share their personal experience navigating the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process and their advice with helpful campus resources at Suffolk.
Learn more

Application Process

  1. Attend the CPT presentation/Workshop
  2. Obtain a job offer letter on company letterhead from your prospective employer that contains all required information:
    • Full name of the company
    • Location (full street address) of the proposed employment
    • Job title
    • Detailed job description indicating direct relation to course of study
    • Number of hours per week
    • Exact start date of employment
    • Exact end date of employment, if applicable (CPT will only be authorized one semester at a time)
      *Remember the dates must align with the semester in which you are doing the internship and taking the internship course
  3. Submit the CPT Application via email to the ISSO or to your ISSO advisor at least 2 weeks before the proposed start date
    Your relevant academic advisor and/or Graduate Program advisor must approve the request before an ISSO advisor can review it—applying early is essential in order to get all approvals on time
  4. The ISSO will work with the Registrar Office to get you registered for the required internship course before they can process your approved CPT I-20
  5. Check your ISSO email
    An ISSO Advisor will email you if any additional information is needed or once your application has been approved
  6. After it has been approved, the ISSO will email your new I-20 to you. Make sure you check page 2 of the I-20 to ensure the details of your employment are correct
  7. Do not begin working in any capacity before the first day of your CPT authorization and stop all work by the last day of your CPT authorization
    Working without authorization is a severe immigration violation
    • If you do not begin work at that job or if you end work before the end date, contact ISSO to update your record
    • If you are not going to do the CPT or found out that you did not like the internship, please tell us, and we will help you correct this on your I-20 and withdraw you from the class
  8. If an extension is needed, submit a new application to ISSO at least 2 weeks before your current CPT ends

Maintaining Your Status While on CPT

While participating in CPT, you are still an F-1 student and need to maintain your student status.

If you participate in part-time or full-time CPT, you must be enrolled in a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduates and graduates, 9 for Law).

Note: If you accumulate 12 months of full-time CPT during your program, you will not be eligible for OPT upon program completion.


CPT cannot be only your very last class if it is not required to graduate. In your final semester of studies, you must be enrolled in at least 1 required course internship class in order to be eligible for CPT. Also, if you have CPT during your final semester, your CPT must end by the last day of final exams for that term.

If you change employers or positions while on CPT, you must re-apply and receive a new I-20 before you can begin work.

Remember: do not start work before your CPT start date and do not keep working beyond your CPT end date in any capacity. Doing so is a severe immigration violation.