1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
International Students and Scholars Office
Iowa State University

2. What is CPT?
CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum (either required or optional).
CPT is defined as an alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.

3. What is CPT? CPT is only done during your academic program, not after.
While you are on CPT, you still hold F-1 status.
CPT is not available for English language training students (IEOP students)
20 hours or less per week is considered part-time CPT. Over 20 hours per week is considered full-time CPT.

4. Eligibility for CPT
Have been enrolled full-time for one full academic year (9 months).
Have maintained F-1 status.
Have an offer of employment from an employer offering work that qualifies as curricular practical training.
Have enrolled in an appropriate course/credit that allows CPT.
Have obtained approval from your academic advisor or major professor.

5. CPT Regulations
Students may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location, and period approved and recorded in SEVIS.
It is possible to have multiple, concurrent CPT employers.
There is no limit on the number of times or total length of time a student may engage in part-time or full-time CPT, if he/she is eligible.

6. CPT Regulations
The use of 12 months of full-time CPT effects eligibility for OPT at the same educational level.
Part-time CPT does not count toward the 12-month rule.
24 months of part-time CPT does not count as the equivalent of 12 months of full-time CPT.

7. CPT Regulations
You must have written authorization from an ISS advisor before starting the CPT employment.
You are considered to be maintaining a full-course of study while on CPT.
Time spent studying full-time in a status other than F-1 is counted toward 9-month requirement (Ex. H-1B, H-4, etc.)
There is no application fee for CPT.

8. Traveling Abroad During CPT
A valid passport
A valid F-1 visa (except for Canadians)
Students do not need a valid F-1 visa if traveling temporarily to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for 30 days or less.
An unexpired I-20 with a travel signature signed by an ISS advisor within a year.
CPT job offer letter

9. Traveling Abroad During CPT
Financial documents (recommended)
A copy of unofficial transcript (recommended)

10. What do we need from you? We need:
A CPT application form signed by your academic advisor or major professor.
You to enroll in a credit/course that allows CPT.
You to meet with one of ISS advisors to discuss CPT eligibility.

11. What will happen at ISSO?
Verify that you have been enrolled at least one academic year.
Verify that you have enrolled in an appropriate course/credit that allows CPT.
An ISS advisor will review your CPT application and discuss your eligibility.
An ISS advisor will approve CPT and request a new I-20 through SEVIS.

12. What will happen at ISSO?
It normally takes one week to process new CPT I-20.
An ISS staff will you to pick-up the new I-20 with CPT approval when it’s ready.

13. Questions about CPT?