Curricular Practical Training

Definition of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) CPT is approved off-campus employment for students pursuing a degree, which is defined as “integral” to that degree. The purpose of CPT is to engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience directly related to the field of study.

CPT Eligibility Must be in valid F-1 status Must have been “lawfully enrolled” full-time for one full academic year. Enrollment at another institution counts toward this requirement. Employment must be directly related to the field of study and appropriate to the degree level (Bachelor, Master, PhD)

CPT Eligibility Training that is required of all students in order to complete a degree always meets the requirement for CPT (example: required internship or practicum) Training that is not required by the degree program may meet the requirements for CPT if: you receive academic credit for the employment it is offered through the TWU Internship and Cooperative Education Program it is an integral part of your studies.

Frequently Asked Questions How does CPT affect my eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT)? If you work 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will NOT be eligible for OPT. Part-time CPT will have no effect on your eligibility for OPT, no matter how many semesters you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to be enrolled in a course to engage in CPT? Yes You must be registered for an appropriate course every semester in which practical training is requested. CPT is approved for ONE semester at a time. Do I have to be enrolled in a course even when using Co-op's services? Yes Do I have to be enrolled in a course in the summer?

Frequently Asked Questions What course do I register for? Check with your academic advisor to determine the appropriate course for your CPT employment. How many credits do I have to take? Part-time CPT - register in classes full-time. Full-time CPT - register part-time or full-time.

Frequently asked Questions Do I need an I-20 with CPT authorization if my employment is unpaid, a volunteer position or an internship? YES CPT requirements apply to both paid and unpaid positions. Your I-20 with CPT authorization is your proof that you have permission to work off-campus. (Students and employers sometimes question the necessity for CPT. If Immigration visits the workplace and the student doesn’t have written work authorization, they may be taken into custody. Additionally, if the Labor Dept. receives a complaint from a U.S. employee about not being paid, they will investigate all employees; the U.S. employees might end up receiving back salary; an F-1 will be considered as having worked illegally and will be automatically deported.

Frequently asked Questions Is there any circumstance in which I can do a CPT-type work experience off-campus that I don’t need to get an I-20 with CPT authorization? NO. The I-20 with CPT authorization is your permission to be at the work environment. It also protects the company or entity employing you. If ever you are challenged by immigration officials or anyone else about the legality of your employment, you can produce your I-20 with CPT authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions How many hours can I work on CPT? Part-time CPT = up to 20 hours in any given week during your period of authorization. Full-time CPT = more than 20 hours per week.

Frequently asked Questions How long will it take to get CPT authorization? CPT authorization is processed by OIE and may take up to 1 week.

CPT Application Procedure Enroll in a course which allows curricular practical training. You must be registered for an appropriate course every semester in which practical training is requested. Secure employment which qualifies for curricular practical training. Submit a completed CPT application packet to OIE. The application packet is available on our website under “Forms.” Allow 1 week for processing.

CPT Application Procedure OIE will review your CPT application and determine whether you are eligible for CPT. If eligible, OIE will complete the necessary CPT authorization in the SEVIS system and a new SEVIS I-20 will be issued. CPT employment authorization will be annotated on page 2 of the new I-20.

CPT Notes A student may not begin employment until after receiving the new I-20 with CPT authorization. Any employment engaged in outside the authorized dates of your CPT will be considered unauthorized (illegal) employment. CPT is intended to be valuable work experience. It is not intended as a means of employment solely for the purpose of financial support. Students may not engage in on-campus employment while on CPT unless the CPT job is unpaid.

CPT Notes A completed application packet must be submitted to OIE each semester in which CPT is requested. You may submit CPT paperwork for the next semester as soon as you have enrolled in the class – early is good!  You MUST have the paperwork submitted before the end of the Add/Drop period. If the CPT is offered through TWU’s Internship and Cooperative Education Program, you must complete an International Student Verification form for Internships and Cooperative Education as well as the CPT paperwork for International Education.

Questions? Contact International Education 940-898-3338 intloffice@twu.edu Jones Hall, Suite 200 Our DSO is happy to meet with you in person; please call or email for an appointment.