Definition of Curricular Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an opportunity for international students in F-1 status to participate in professional, temporary employment directly related to their academic program before completion of studies. The training must be a required part of the curriculum or an integral part of the curriculum and the student must receive academic credit for the employment. CPT refers to internships, co-op programs, practicums and similar employment which is undertaken prior to the completion of studies. It may be full time or part time. Part time CPT will not be deducted from the Optional Practical Training period available to students. However, if a student uses 12 months of full time CPT, then no additional Optional Practical Training is permitted.

Eligibility: You must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at an I.N.S. approved school for 9 consecutive months before being eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Exceptions exist for graduate students whose programs require immediate curricular training. Available only while student is in F-1 status, before completion of the educational objective. Students in English language training programs are ineligible for CPT.

Authorization: CPT is authorized by the Director of Multicultural Affairs. Employment may not begin until the proper authorization is obtained on page 4 of the I-20

Forms: The application packet can be picked up from the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Where can I go to work? You may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location and period approved and recorded by your DSO on Form I-20 ID.

How long will I have? It depends on the specific period granted by the DSO. It may be granted by your DSO in increments of no more than one year, or until expected date of employment completion, whichever is shorter. There is no cumulative maximum, except that it can only be approved before completion of academic objective.

How many hours a week? Hours can be approved for part-time (20 hours or less) or full-time (over 20 hours).

What kind of job can I get? The job you get must be an integral part of an established curriculum, in the student’s course of study.

What effect will CPT have? The use of full-time CPT for one year or more eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training. However part-time use of CPT does not affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training.

Is there anything else I should know? You must continue to maintain a full course of study in F-1 status during the period of employment, but some exceptions may exist for some CPT.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete Section A of the Curricular Practical Training Recommendation Form for F-1 students. Have your academic Faculty Advisor complete Section B

2. Compete Section “A” of Form I-538. Be sure to sign and date it. The Director of OMA will complete section B.

3. Schedule an appointment with the OMA Director. Allow at least 30 minutes for the appointment. Take to your appointment: 1) the completed Curricular Practical Training Recommendation Form, 2) a completed I-538, 3) Your current I-20 ID, 4) I-94 and 5) Passport.

4. During your appointment, the OMA Director will check your immigration status and review the CPT Recommendation form to verify that the employment meets the curricular requirement. When the Director approves the CPT, he/she will endorse your I-20 with the appropriate authorization.

5. The Director will notify INS by sending I-538 to STSC Data Processing Center,

P.O Box 140 Highway 25 South, London KY 40741

6. You may begin employment only after the Director of OMA has authorized the

Curricular Practical Training by endorsing your I-20. The endorsed I-20 is the

official document authorizing the practical training employment.