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More Information on CPT
Eligibility
To be eligible for CPT you must first complete two semesters of full-time study in the United States.
Employment Options
The work must be directly related to the student’s major field of study and integral to an established curriculum.
Part-time CPT
Employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered part-time. You must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during fall and spring terms.
Full-time CPT
Employment for more than 20 hours per week is full-time. Please be aware that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Documentation Needed to Apply
The following should be submitted electronically to the ISO:
- Letter from your advisor authorizing your internship (email your International Student Advisor for the CPT authorization template).
- Proof of enrollment in the associated internship course (this can be a copy of your schedule from Self Service that shows you have registered for the internship course).
- Offer letter from your employer. Your employer or company must officially offer you a training opportunity and provide you with an offer letter that includes the following:
Frequestly Asked Question (FAQ)
Can I request more than one period of CPT?
Yes, you are allowed up to three CPT authorizations per degree program, if permitted by your academic program. For each CPT authorization, you must get permission from 1) your Dean or Academic Advisor and 2) OGS. CPT must remain integral to your curriculum and cannot be used to simply facilitate employment
I work at the library for five hours a week and have been offered an internship off campus. How many hours can I request on my CPT Request Form?
While school is in session a student may only engage in a maximum of 20 hours of employment per week, on campus and off campus, paid and unpaid. A student who meets the eligibility requirements for CPT and works on campus 5 hours per week may be authorized for part-time CPT for an additional 15 hours. However, the total employment while school is in session may not exceed 20 hours per week.
My program/school does not have a specific internship course. Can I still participate in CPT?
To participate in CPT, the program/school must either have:
- An approved internship course that carries credit, semester dates, a faculty supervisor and is listed in the college catalog; or
- The academic program director or advisor must attest that the internship is a graduation degree requirement; or If the program/school cannot attest to one of the above requirements, then CPT is not an option and Pre-completion OPT or work with an International Organization may be alternatives.
Do I need to update my address if I will be living at a new address during my CPT?
Yes, F-1 students are required to update their local, U.S. address within 10 days of moving to the new address. Update your local off-campus address by contacting the International Services office or the Registrar.
Am I still in F-1 status during CPT?
Yes, you are still in F-1 status. CPT is not an immigration status. Rather, CPT is a benefit of F-1 status for off-campus authorization to engage in practical training in one’s field of study.
Do I have to pay taxes on my CPT income?
Maybe. If you are an F-1 student and have not been in the United States for 5 years you should not be paying Social Security or Medicare taxes. However, you may be subject to income tax depending on the amount of money you earn and your tax rate. Please contact the International Services office for assistance with tax information through our tax partner, Sprintax
