Who is eligible?
You must:

1. Be a full-time degree level student (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, PhD).
2. Have been lawfully enrolled as a full-time student for at least one full academic year.
3. Have maintained lawful F-1 status.

Do I need to identify an internship site before I can apply for CPT?
Yes. However, you may not start the internship until you have received the written authorization from your international student advisor.

How many hours a week may I work on the authorized CPT?
According to USCIS regulations, part-time CPT allows you to work for a MAXIMUM of 20 hours a week while school is in session. Full-time CPT allows you to work for more than 20 hours a week while school is not in session or during the annual vacation. For more information, please consult with an international student advisor. Please note that if you work 12 months or more of full-time CPT you will forfeit all post-completion OPT. You must check with your department advisor about the number of hours you many work as well.

Is there a limit on how much I can be paid?
There is no limit on the hourly wage you may be paid.

When can I work?
You may start your job/internship only AFTER CPT has been approved by the ISS office. The approval process takes approximately 5 days so do not expect to start your job until you have picked up your I-20 from ISS.

Can I change jobs after I’ve been approved for CPT?
No. You may NOT work for a different company without filing and obtaining a new CPT request application. Speak to an ISS advisor to get more information.

Can I work at more than 1 job on CPT at the same time?
Some students may want to do a combination of 2 jobs during the same semester. This can be done providing the total yours do not exceed 20 hours a week. Students must follow the same instructions and complete a Work/Learn Agreement for each internship.

TO APPLY FOR CPT: Submit the following to ISS:

1. Work/Learn Agreement signed by the employer and your department chair.
2. Your most recent I-20 form (the original, not a copy)

Proof of registration for ‘Professional Internship’: obtain a printout from the Cashier Office.

ALLOW MIMIMUM OF 5 DAYS FOR PROCESSING BY ISS. YOU MAY NOT START WORK UNTIL YOUR I-20 HAS BEEN ENDORSED AND CPT HAS BEEN APPROVED.

REMINDER: Curricular Practical Training must be authorized by an ISS Advisor and must be indicated on the I-20 before you may start work. CPT may be authorized on a part-time basis during the school year or full-time basis during the summer. Please note that if you work 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will forfeit all post-completion OPT. You must be registered as a full time student at all times.