University Career Center
F1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Via the University Career Center
Our office holds CPT workshops each semester, please see Our Calendar for upcomming sessions
Definition
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Immigration regulations define CPT as training programs that are an integral part of an established curriculum; defined as alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship/practicum, which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
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The ‘training’ may be required for a particular course but the course does not need to be a requirement of a particular program of study.
Eligibility Requirements
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Must have been in lawful student status for one full academic year (2 semesters).
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Part-time work experiences (49erships) in Fall/Spring semesters require students to be enrolled full-time (unless otherwise authorized by ISSO for a reduced course load).
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Summer work experiences may be full or part-time, as long as the student will continue to be enrolled the following fall semester or if the student is enrolled in summer coursework as the final term of study.
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Students who are enrolled in a Ph.D. program, enrolled only in “thesis/dissertation” or enrolled in a course requiring an internship should consider applying for CPT via the Academic Department instead.
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Students who are nearing the end of their academic work should consider applying for Optional Practical Training.
Length of Training
- There is no limit on the amount of curricular practical training, but students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training are not eligible for Optional Practical Training.
Additional Information
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Every term of work experience must be approved by the University Career Center and authorized by the ISSO.
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All work experiences approved by the University Career Center will be reflected on the student’s transcript as either a Co-op, 49ership Program Course 3500, or the appropriate number as per discipline in one of the approved courses.
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Students participating in Curricular Practical Training, as with other employment, are subject to withholding for federal and state tax unless a tax treaty applies. At the same time, such students are exempt from Social Security tax (FICA) and Medicare withholding.
Application Procedure
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Contact the University Career Center regarding procedures for participation in a 49ership or a co-op program.
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Upon approval of the University Career Center, the ISSO will review the application.
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Allow 10 days processing time for the new I-20 authorizing CPT employment in the U.S.