Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows F-1 students to engage in off-campus internships or employment that is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program, prior to graduation. At W&M and VIMS, a practical training opportunity (usually an internship or practicum) is only eligible for CPT authorization if it is a degree requirement for all students in the program. The degree requirement must be outlined in the university’s academic catalog or other official university documents.

Work authorization may not be required to engage in bona fide (legitimate) volunteer activities or unpaid internships. Please review the Volunteering and Unpaid Internships webpage for additional information for determining if work authorization is required.

Quick Facts about CPT:

• Authorization process: CPT is authorized by ISSP, it is free to apply, and requires approval from your academic or program advisor.
• Academic year completion: You must be in F-1 status for one full academic year before you are eligible for CPT work authorization.
• Timing options: Only available before graduation.
• Curricular component: The practical training opportunity must be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program; students must be registered for the appropriate CPT course for each semester of authorization.
• Job offer: A position offer is required prior to applying for CPT.

Eligibility

• You must be a student in active F-1 immigration status. You must continue to be enrolled full time in F-1 status during the authorized period of CPT. Please consult ISSP if you have a pending change of status to F-1.
• You must be in F-1 status for at least two semesters directly prior to when you want to start CPT. If you changed status to F-1 through the I-539 method, you may also be eligible for CPT if you have been enrolled full-time for two consecutive semesters. 
• Undergraduate students must have a declared major before requesting CPT.

Application Timeline

Students should apply for CPT at least 2 weeks before employment begins to allow for sufficient processing time. Students must receive CPT authorization before beginning work, as CPT cannot be granted retroactively.

Please note that submitting an application at the last minute does not guarantee that ISSP will be able to process your request quickly.

Duration

CPT can only be granted one semester at a time. If your position will span two or more semesters, you must apply for a new CPT authorization each semester. The start and end dates of employment cannot exceed the beginning and end dates of each semester or break.

CPT Employment Requirements

• The practical training opportunity must be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program, defined as a degree requirement for all students in the program, which must be outlined in the university’s academic catalog or other official university documents.
• CPT is granted for a specific position, employer, and period. If you decide to change employers while working on CPT, you must obtain a new CPT authorization from ISSP.
• If your department's practical training requirement includes enrollment in specific coursework, you are expected to be enrolled in the required coursework as necessary for the degree completion. See step 3 of the CPT Application Process below. 
• You must have an offer for off-campus employment/training before requesting CPT.
• Employment on CPT may be paid or unpaid.
• Employment on CPT is authorized on a part-time or a full-time basis:
  • Part-time CPT employment is defined as 20 hours per week or less
  • Full-time CPT employment is defined as over 20 hours per week
• Federal law prohibits cannabis/marijuana, even when legal under state law. Thus, students may risk their current or future immigration status if they work for a business that is linked to cannabis/marijuana.

Effect on Other Work

CPT and On-Campus Employment

• During the fall and spring semesters, students may not work more than a total of 20 hours per week. For example, if you are working 12 hours per week on-campus during the semester, ISSP will only authorize CPT for 8 hours per week.
• During official university breaks, students are eligible to use full-time CPT with the endorsement of their academic/program advisor.

CPT and Assistantships

• Many assistantship contracts prevent a student from accepting other employment. If this is the case with your department or program, CPT will not be granted without explicit consent from your academic advisor/program director.

Full-time CPT Effect on OPT Eligibility

• If students use 12 months or more of full-time CPT (over 20 hours/week), they will no longer be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, students may use an unlimited amount of part-time CPT with no effect on eligibility for OPT.

Social Security Number (SSN)

If you do not have a social security number, you may apply for one based on your CPT authorization. You must wait to apply at least 30 days prior to the start date of the CPT. Visit the Social Security Numbers (SSN) webpage for more information.