Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

What is CPT?
•  CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training.
•  CPT is an off-campus work authorization for a position which enhances your studies. Federal immigration regulations state the work or internship experience must be integral to ( part of) your academic studies.

When do I need to seek CPT authorization?
•  You MUST apply for and receive CPT authorization BEFORE you begin any type of off-campus work or internship
•  Paid or unpaid off-campus work or internship requires CPT authorization.
•  CPT is authorized with a specific employer for a specific amount of time.
•  CPT can only be used prior to completion of studies, while you are enrolled as a student

Am I eligible to apply for CPT?
•  Are you in valid visa status?
•  Are you registered as a full-time student?
•  Have you been a student in the United States for at least two consecutive academic semesters?

When should I apply for CPT?
•  When you have a job offer from an off-campus employer. This job must be directly related to your field of study.
•  Before you have finished all of your coursework towards your degree.
•  At least 2 weeks before you want to begin work.
•  After you have registered for the semester, including the CPT course credit.
•  When the internship or employment is paid or UNPAID.

What if my employer wants me to start working right-away!
You must tell your employer that you cannot begin work until you are authorized by the OIE office. You will need to explain to your employer that it takes 7-10 business days to process CPT paperwork.

When can I start working at this job?
After you have received a new I-20 for this period of CPT, the start date of the CPT is the first day you can work.

NOTE: Submitting paperwork to the OIE office does NOT mean you can automatically begin working! You must wait until you receive the new I-20 for CPT.

Can I begin training or volunteering in the position before the CPT I-20 is ready?
No. This puts your valid visa status at risk and your employer in jeopardy with U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Protect Your Valid Visa Status, do not do this. You cannot begin job training until you receive the new I-20 for CPT from the OIE and the start-date has occurred.

I'm a new student here. Can I apply for CPT?
Only after you have completed two continuous academic semesters as a student, will you be eligible to apply for CPT.

This means that if you arrived in the United States as a new F-1 student in the Fall semester, you can begin working on CPT after the last day of classes in May. If you arrived as a new student in January (Spring semester), then you can begin work under CPT after Fall semester classes end.

 Unpaid Work, Unpaid Internships:
I've been offered an unpaid internship. Do I have to apply for CPT?
Yes. All work off-campus, whether paid or unpaid, must be authorized. In the eyes of immigration, the job-experience you receive at this internship is considered "compensation" and a benefit. Do not place your immigration status at risk!

Do I have to be registered full-time to apply for CPT?
YES. To be eligible for CPT you must be registered as a full-time student. This is part of your SEVIS responsibilities to maintain valid visa status. You cannot be authorized for CPT unless you are in valid visa status.

Is CPT only available during the academic breaks (like Summer or Winter)?
No. You can apply and work under CPT during any time during the year, as long as you meet the eligibility guidelines.

How much CPT can I have?
As much as you want while you are a student in valid F-1 visa status. However, if you accrue more than 365 days of Full-Time CPT, then you become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This means that you forfeit OPT. (Some student decide to do additional full-time CPT and forfeit OPT after discussion with the OIE staff.)

Note: The "365-Day Rule" only applies to Full-Time CPT . You can accrue more than 365 days of Part-Time CPT without affecting your eligibility for Optional Practical Training.

The Application Process:
How do I apply for CPT? What kind of paperwork is needed?
Two pieces of paper:
•  an Academic Advisor's form
•  a letter from the employer containing specific information.

The CPT packet can be picked up from the OIE office or downloaded from our website. The completed paperwork can be handed in to the OIE office directly, or faxed or emailed to us if you are out of the area.

What does my employer need to do?
Provide a letter on their official business stationary containing very specific information:
•  Number of hours per week you will be working (Is the work full-time or part-time?)
•  A starting date and ending date (CPT is time-period specific.)
•  A brief description of job duties (a general statement or list of your responsibilities is sufficient.)

What does a "complete" application mean?
All questions must be answered on the academic advisor's form.
The letter from your employer contains all of the required information.

Note: If you submit a complete CPT application, the processing for OIE is much smoother. An incomplete application causes delay.

How long does it take to get the new I-20 with the CPT authorization on it?
It will take approximately 7-10 business days (not included the weekends).

CPT and Graduation:
I'll graduate at the end of this semester. Can I still apply for CPT?
It depends. The purpose of CPT is to enhance your studies. Consult with the OIE if you are currently in this situation.

CPT and Other Employment Authorizations:
Can I apply for OPT and CPT at the same time?
Yes, but CPT cannot be used to start your OPT employment early. CPT cannot be a "bridge" to OPT.

Can I do a CPT in another country?
No. CPT authorization is only necessary to work here in the United States. You would need to follow the work-rules of the other country to be employed legally there.

After the job has begun.
The CPT is going really well and the employer wants me to continue after the ending date. What do I need to do?
Email the Office of International Education at studyabroad@rmc.edu. We will assess your current situation. You may need to submit a new application for CPT.

I stopped working earlier than my end date. What should I do?
Send an email to the Office of International Education. Provide the date of your last day of work. We will update your SEVIS record.

I want to work somewhere else. What should I do?
Email the Office of International Education. We can guide you through the process of canceling one CPT and applying for the next one. You will need new paperwork for each CPT. (Remember CPT is granted for a specific time period and specific employer).

I'm still with the same company but my job duties and/or number of hours have changed?
Email studyabroad@rmc.edu with the new information. We will update your records in SEVIS.

Permission for use granted by International Student and Scholar Services, Binghamton University, State University of New York.