Who is eligible?

You must:

• Be a full-time degree level student (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, PhD, and eligible certificate programs).
• Have been lawfully enrolled as a full-time student for at least one full academic year.
• Have maintained lawful F-1 status.
• Register for internship credit after speaking with your academic advisor.

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 on your I-20 from your international student advisor.

How many hours a week may I work on the authorized CPT?

Students can work for a MAXIMUM of 20 hours a week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during the semester breaks; however, students must apply for a separate authorization to work full-time during the breaks. 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 may 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 2-3 business days after ISS receives all documents so do not expect to start your job until you have picked up your updated 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 authorization. Speak to an ISS advisor to get more information.

Can I work at more than one job on CPT at the same time?

Some students may want to do a combination of two jobs during the same semester. This can be done providing the total hours do not exceed 20 hours a week. Students must follow the same instructions and obtain an authorization for each job.

TO APPLY FOR CPT: Submit the following to ISS

• Basic Service Request Form
• CPT Form signed by the employer and your department chair or Internship Work Contract for Parsons students
• Proof of registration in an internship or practical training course (Parsons and Milano Masters students are exempt.)

Allow two to three 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 winter or 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.