CPT

Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of off-campus employment that is an integral part of the F-1 student's program of study. To be eligible for this employment authorization the student must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (unless enrolled in the graduate program).
F-1 students must first obtain an offer of employment before applying for this authorization, and the duties must relate to the student's program of study.
Students are permitted to work no more than 20 hours per week if authorized for part-time CPT. If authorized for full-time CPT, students are permitted to work more than 20 hours per week, but this will affect post-completion OPT authorization. The amount of time authorized for full-time CPT will be deducted from the 12 month post-completion authorization. For example, if authorized for 4 months of full-time CPT, student is only eligible for 8 months of post-completion OPT.

To apply, complete the Application for Curricular Practical Training ("Helpful Forms and Websites" section) and submit it to the Admissions Office no later than 2 weeks before the desired semester.