Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT/Internships for F-1 students
CPT - Curricular Practical Training is a type of F-1 work authorization that is intended only for temporary internship experiences that are clearly demonstrated as being integral to the student's curriculum and program of study.
In other words, participation in an internship must be required for degree completion for all students in order to be authorized a CPT. Elective CPT requests that are not essential for degree completion will not be authorized.
CPT will only be authorized as per 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) when the internship is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Full-time jobs that are not considered a temporary internship experience will not be authorized.
Students should not engage in any off-campus paid or unpaid internships without active work-authorization, such as CPT or OPT. Students applying for CPT must wait for their I-20 to be issued prior to starting any internship.
There are part time (20hrs/wk) and full time (40+hrs/wk) CPTs.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Policy is as Follows:
- During fall and spring semesters, when full-time course enrollment is required, a student may request part-time CPT.
- During annual vacation (summer term, unless it is the first term of study) and during official school breaks a student may request a full-time CPT to work over 20 hours per week.
- Students are eligible for CPT after fulfilling one academic year of full-time enrollment equal to at least 30 weeks.
- CPT cannot be requested for on-campus full-time positions. During official school breaks when classes are not in session and during annual vacation when enrollment is optional the student may exceed the 20 hour limit of on-campus employment. To review the on-campus employment policy, please click here.
Exceptions:
- Graduate students may apply for CPT in their first term of study IF the internship is an integral part of the curriculum (e.g. only graduate level student with the required internship in their first term of study)
- Graduate and undergraduate students may apply for CPT in their second term of study IF they are transferring from another U.S. institution or starting a new program following a period of OPT and have been in F1 status for at least one academic year (e.g. students who graduated from another institution and have completed their OPT)
- Eligible students may apply for full time CPT in spring and fall term IF their department offers an internship course for academic degree credit (0-credit option for a full-time CPT is not permitted unless it is the student's summer annual vacation term and the student will continue their enrollment in the fall).
For university information on internship options, visit the FAU Career Center internship information page.
FAQs
Steps for Obtaining Authorization to Engage in an Internship:
- Meet with the faculty advisor for the internship program to discuss internship options and requirements.
- Register for the internship course through your department
- After you secure an internship position and enroll into your internship course, submit your CPT Application Form and supporting documentation (F1 Students) OR AT application and supporting documentation to International Student Services.
- Apply for your Social Security Number (SSN) if you do not already have one. To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the Letter Request Form
- Submit appropriate documentation to your employer/internship supervisor.
- Complete all internship program requirements by the deadline dates to ensure that you receive a Satisfactory grade for the internship/co-op course.
CPT Online Workshop and Quiz
How to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Step 1: Please review the online CPT workshop and complete the quiz before you submit the paperwork to International Student Services office. (When you receive a score of 100% Total Points 100/100. Please be sure to print your results to include your score, Email, Name, Z# and attach to your CPT application. Note: CPT applications without confirmation of 100/100 quiz score will not be processed)
Step 2: Please submit electronically your CPT Application Form to the ISS office.
Step 3: It will take 5-10 business days to process your CPT request.
Step 4: ISS office will send out an e-mail to inform you the new CPT I-20 is ready.
If you have any questions, please contact IS at 561-297-3049 or send an email to ISSS@fau.edu.
If you do not already have an SSN then please read below:
You do need the SSN in order to engage in a paid internship. You will be eligible to apply for the SSN after you receive the CPT authorization. You will not be able to apply for an SSN for an unpaid position.
To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the Letter Request Form