Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows eligible F-1 students to engage in paid internship/employment which is related to and is an integral part of the major field of study. CPT is authorized by WSU Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS), not the Immigration Services.

• CPT employment must be a supervised, temporary position.
• CPT can be authorized for part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).

Eligibility

You must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be in lawful F-1 status and have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year prior to the proposed CPT start date. (Graduate students enrolled in a program which requires immediate participation in CPT are exempted from this requirement.)
• Be majoring in a field of study which requires the proposed internship/employment.
• Have a job offer.

• CPT Eligibility

When to Apply

You must apply and be authorized for CPT in advance. Allow 1-2 weeks for CPT processing.

Procedures

Step 1	Discuss your CPT eligibility with your academic advisor and OISS advisor. If CPT is appropriate in your program, obtain a CPT packet from the OISS advisor.
Step 2	Secure a CPT job.
Step 3	Have your Academic Advisor complete the Academic Advisor Recommendation form. Have your employer complete the Employment Confirmation form or write a letter verifying your CPT job. Drop off the above forms at OISS in Bryan 108.
Step 4	After OISS authorizes your CPT in SEVIS, you will be contacted to pick up a new I-20.
Step 5	You are authorized to be employed only at the employer and for the period specified on Page 3 of your new I-20.

Important

• 12 or more months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same educational level.
• Part-time CPT does not affect your eligibility for post-completion OPT; however, you must continue full-time enrollment unless you are doing CPT during the summer vacation.
• You must obtain a new authorization in advance if you wish to change employers or extend your CPT.