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Curricular Practical Training

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What is CPT?

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It is a type of work authorization that allows students with an F-1 visa to take part in internships, cooperative education or other work experiences directly related to their program of study. CPT work must help you learn and should give you work experience that is connected to your field of study.

CPT does not fit with just any job. It is specifically intended to enhance your educational experience.

CPT eligibility

To be eligible for CPT, you must:

  • Have completed one academic year as a full-time student. 
  • Be enrolled in a for-credit class that requires an internship, practicum or similar training.
  • Have a job or internship offer directly related to your field of study.
  • Have a job or internship offer with work starting on or after the semester’s class start date and ending before the semester ends.
  • Have a job or internship that allows you to maintain a physical presence in the Mount Pleasant/Mid-Michigan area or work remotely, particularly for fall and spring semesters. 
    • Summer CPT does not require on-campus presence unless you are completing your program at the end of summer.

Note: CPT is authorized one semester at a time. If you plan to continue CPT for multiple semesters, you must apply for CPT each time and enroll in a class that requires employment each time.

Part-time vs. full-time CPT

You must be enrolled as a full-time student and stay on campus during the fall and spring semesters of the school year.

  • Part-time CPT: Work up to 20 hours per week.
  • Full-time CPT: Work more than 20 hours per week.

 Important: Be aware that more than 12 month of full-time CPT will make you ineligible for OPT.

Do I need CPT for unpaid work?

Yes, unpaid work still requires CPT authorization if it meets the definition of employment and the company benefits from your work. CPT ensures your work is part of your program and maintains your F-1 status.  

If you are volunteering for a charity or a registered nonprofit organization, you might not need CPT. If you are not sure, contact ISSS at isss@cmich.edu. It is always safer to ask for CPT even if you do not need it. Not having CPT when you need it can cause serious problems with your student visa.

 Important: There are no issues with requesting CPT when it's not needed, but failing to obtain it when required can have serious consequences.

Can I change jobs while on CPT?

If you want to change jobs, you will need a new CPT authorization. CPT is authorization for a specific internship experience at a specific company.

How to apply for CPT

You MUST NOT begin any work for your job or internship until CPT is authorized and your authorized start date has been reached. If you start working too early, it could be deemed a violation of your F-1 status and you could lose your SEVIS record.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time for the application to be processed.

Please apply at least one week before you start your job or internship.

    Work with your advisor to check that your program qualifies for CPT.
    If you are starting to explore CPT as an option for work authorization, make sure your study program includes real work experience like an internship, practicum or practical training. These must be part of your program for CPT to be an option for you.
    CPT is designed to let you work in a job that is part of your study program, not to work solely to earn money. You must do it for your education.

    Save specific questions about CPT for the ISSS office.
    Your academic advisor will not be able to answer specific questions about CPT (those questions are for the ISSS office). Instead, you should frame this discussion through the context of your program’s course sequence and curriculum.
    For example, you could ask the following:
    “Does my program offer any opportunities for an internship or work experience where I can earn credit?”

    If the answer to this question is “no,” CPT is not an option for you. If the answer to this is “yes,” you can request CPT once you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier on this page.

    Continue to plan with your advisor, though do be sure they are aware of how CPT eligibility works.
    For example, you can ask the following:
    "When could the internship/work experience fit within the sequence of my program keeping in mind that my F-1 status requires me to be enrolled for one full academic year?"

    Book an appointment with ISSS

    You must have a job/internship offer. You must provide proof of the offer by submitting an offer letter or training plan.

    The offer letter/plan must meet the following requirements:

    1. Be written on the company's official paper (company letterhead).
    2. Be addressed to you.
    3. State your job or internship title.
    4. Provide an overview of the position description (at least a few sentences describing duties, tasks, goals, etc.).
    5. Specify the address where your employment will take place (street, city, state, and zip code).
      • If you will be working remotely, the letter should specify this and list the company’s physical address.
    6. Specify the number of hours per week you will work/participate in the experience.
    7. Specify start and end dates of CPT employment (keep in mind that CPT can only be authorized one term at a time and should align with the term calendar).

    The button below provides a sample job letter with examples of what you need. You are welcome to provide this sample letter to your employer/sponsoring entity. If your employer cannot put everything in the offer letter, they can send you another letter or email with the missing information. The extra letter or email must be sent directly to you, from your employer.

    See here for a sample letter

    You must gather the following documents, to be submitted in the next step:

    1. Job/internship offer letter/training plan meeting the requirements above.
    2. An unofficial transcript or copy of your academic history proving that you are enrolled in a class that is eligible for CPT.
    3. Copy of your most recent I-94.

    The request will also ask you to enter the email address for your advisor or course instructor. This will generate an electronic recommendation for them to complete.

    Please be sure to let your advisor/instructor know to expect the electronic form before you submit this request.

    Log in to the ISSS Portal and go to Requests>CPT Request (under “What can we help you with” in the bottom right). Follow the request instructions.

    Click Submit when finished. Once submitted, the electronic recommendation form will be emailed to your advisor to complete. Watch your cmich.edu email for any correspondence from the ISSS office in the event your request requires correction or clarification.

    ISSS portal

    If your CPT request is approved, you will be notified by email that your CPT I-20 is ready to download.

    Your CPT I-20 can be downloaded from the ISSS Portal > Requests > Documents.

    You MUST NOT begin working at your job or internship until CPT is authorized by the ISSS office and your authorized CPT start date has been reached. If your employer requires that you complete form I-9, your CPT endorsed I-20 should be sufficient proof of your authorization to work.

    ISSS portal

    After CPT approval

    Once your CPT is approved, remember: 

    • You can start working only after your CPT start date. If the start date changes, contact ISSS to update your I-20.
    • End your employment by the authorized end date on your I-20. If it ends early or continues into the next term, notify ISSS for updates or new authorization.
    • If you drop or withdraw from the class tied to your CPT, contact ISSS to shorten the authorization.
    • CPT is for program-related work only, not for general employment. Your focus should remain on your studies and program completion.

    CPT in your final semester

    At CMU, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is only allowed in your final semester if it is required to complete your degree or if you are enrolled part-time. 

    CPT in the final term cannot be used to start Optional Practical Training (OPT) early or to work while your OPT application is pending.  

    Doing full-time CPT in your last semester may affect the outcome of your OPT application decision by USCIS. We recommend doing part-time CPT to decrease the likelihood that it will affect any OPT decisions. 

    If you are considering CPT in your last semester, consult with ISSS to confirm your eligibility.