F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for F-1 students in the U.S. It is intended to provide work experience in the U.S. in the student’s field of study through internships, cooperative education, or other work-study programs where the work serves as an integral part of a student’s academic program and an established curriculum, prior to completion of that program.
CPT Webinar (Recorded Spring 2024)
CPT Information by Penn School
Each Penn school or program will have its own options for students seeking to participate in CPT. Please contact your individual school or program if it is not listed in the card links below.
Important Guidelines for CPT
No Unauthorized Employment: Do not engage in any off-campus work (paid or unpaid) without proper authorization from ISSS or USCIS.
Steps to Follow: Read the instructions, complete the necessary steps, and obtain your Form I-20 with CPT authorization before starting any off-campus job.
Consequences: Failure to follow these steps can negatively impact your visa status, future U.S. immigration opportunities, and your enrollment at Penn.
DHS Regulations
CPT Requirements: CPT must be directly related to your major and an integral part of your curriculum.
Definition of CPT: Includes alternate work/study, internships, cooperative education, or required practicums offered by employers through agreements with your school.
Purpose of CPT: Provides work experience as an integral part of your academic program before you complete it.
Always ensure you have CPT authorization before starting any employment.
Eligibility Requirements for CPT
- Must be lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year.
- Exception: Graduate students needing immediate internship/practicum.
- Only available while in valid F-1 status and before program completion.
- Not available for English Language Program (ELP) students.
- Gaps in study or status violations may require recalculating the one-year period.
Criteria for CPT Authorization
Employment Requirements
- Directly Related to Major: The job must be directly related to your major.
- Two Conditions:
- Required for Degree: The job is necessary for all degree candidates in your program and required for graduation. This includes require internships or practicums.
- Academic Credit: The job results in academic credit, such as a course designed to award credit for work experience. This can include graduate students who training is part of their dissertation/thesis.
Course Registration
- You must register and complete the CPT-related course during the same semester you are working. For example, if working in the summer, register for the summer semester.
- Some schools (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences, Penn Law) allow fall semester registration for summer internships.
Last Semester CPT
- If CPT is in your last semester, you must have at least one other degree-required course to register for, unless the CPT course itself is required for your degree.
Types of CPT
Part-Time Training
During the school year, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
Full-Time Training
- During official university breaks and vacations, you can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
- PhD students can also work full-time during their dissertation period until they defend their dissertation.
- Note: 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
These guidelines ensure you meet the requirements and make the most of your CPT experience. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and speak to your assigned DSO!
How to Apply for CPT
Step 1. Meet with Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator
Speak to your academic advisor/program coordinator to ensure you meet the academic requirements.
Step 2. Register for CPT course
Register for CPT course, if required.
Step 3. Obtain Offer Letter
Get an official offer letter on company letterhead, signed by the employer. This letter should include:
- Employer’s name
- Full address
- Dates of employment
- Job duties
Step 4. Access CPT Request Form
Log in to iPenn with your PennKey. Find “CPT Request” under Student Services in the left menu.
Step 5. Submit Documents
Scan and upload the following in your iPenn e-form submission:
- Copy of your passport information page
- Copy of your I-94 card (if in the U.S.)
- Copy of your official offer letter
Follow these steps to ensure your CPT application is complete.
Final Important Application Considerations for CPT
Consult Your School Advisor
- Check the eform in iPenn to find the appropriate advisor.
- You may need to meet your advisor in person.
CPT Request Process
- Your CPT request will be sent to your school advisor for review and recommendation.
- If recommended, it will be forwarded to an ISSS advisor for final approval.
- Without your school advisor’s recommendation, ISSS cannot process your request.
Authorization and Processing
- If eligible and with the required documents, an ISSS advisor will issue an updated I-20 with CPT authorization.
- You will receive an email when your I-20 is ready for pickup.
- ISSS processing time is 3-5 business days, but may be longer during peak periods.
Starting Employment
- You can start CPT employment only after receiving the I-20 with CPT authorization.
- The authorization is valid only for the specific employer, location, time period, and part-time or full-time status as recorded on your I-20.
Employment Duration
- Do not continue employment beyond the authorized date unless you apply for and receive an extension from ISSS.
- Violating this rule can jeopardize your nonimmigrant student status and your ability to stay in the U.S.
These steps ensure you follow the correct procedure and maintain your status while participating in CPT. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!