F-1 Curricular Practical Training
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows F-1 students to engage in paid internship/employment which is an integral part of the degree program. CPT is granted by the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) at WSU, not the Immigration Services.
Who is eligible for CPT? 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.
What is the difference between CPT and Optional Practical Training (OPT)? Refer to the CPT and OPT Comparison Chart
Can CPT be authorized for either part-time or full-time? Yes. CPT may be either part- or full-time. Part-time CPT is 20 hours or less per week. Full-time CPT is anything more than 20 hours per week.
Do I have to register for classes during CPT? If you engage in part-time CPT during the academic year (spring and fall semesters) you are required to enroll in a full course of study (12 credits for undergrad; 10 credits for grad). Full-time CPT does not require you to enroll in a full course of study. However, you may need to register for an internship/research course during the CPT period depending on the basis of your CPT authorization.
Will CPT affect my OPT eligibility? Part-time CPT does not affect your OPT eligibility. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT at the same educational level.
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When can I start my CPT? You may engage in CPT only during the authorized period specified on your CPT I-20. Any work done outside the approved CPT period constitutes unauthorized employment and is a serious violation of your F-1 status.
If I want to change employers during my existing CPT, do I need to be re-authorized? Yes. CPT is employer-specific authorization. You must re-apply for CPT if you get a new job with a different employer, even if you have remaining CPT time on your I-20.
Can I get CPT authorization if I just want to work off campus? No! CPT cannot be used to facilitate employment. It can be granted only if the proposed internship/employment is an integral part of your program.
Can I work on campus while doing CPT? Can I keep my teaching or research assistantship? CPT does not affect the eligibility for on-campus employment for immigration purposes. However, you must also comply with state regulations. If you intend to engage in CPT on WSU campus and also have another on-campus job, you should first check with WSU Human Resource Services and make sure you will not exceed the number of hours any student workers are allowed to work.
I already have a job offer, but my OPT won’t be approved in time. Can I use CPT until my OPT is approved? No. CPT is not designed to facilitate employment. To be eligible for CPT, you must demonstrate that the proposed internship/employment is an integral part of your program. Refer to the Academic Eligibility Test for CPT.
Can I get CPT authorization first and then find a job? No. CPT work authorization is granted for a specific employer and for a specific period of time. OISS simply cannot process CPT authorization without an employer and start and end dates.
More questions? Please meet with an OISS advisor during the regular walk-in hours (1:30-3:30 pm weekdays) or an appointment by calling 335-4508.
Office of International Students & Scholars Bryan Hall 108 Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164-5110 Phone: (509) 335-4508 Fax: (509) 335-2373 E-mail: oiss@wsu.edu Web: www.ip.wsu.edu/oiss/
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