91ÊÓƵ

CPT is a work authorization approved by OIE and is job-specific. Examples include a co-op program, internship or any other type of required intership or practicum that is necessary to all students participating in the program to complete the program. To be eligible for CPT, you will need to be enrolled in an internship or practicum course (independent study does not qualify for CPT). The work must be with a sponsoring emploer who is able to provide a quality pactical traning expereince to students. Academic departments must carefully vet and approve the employers and expereinces necessary to complete the educational objective and degree requirement.

CPT is only available to F-1 students who have not yet completed their degree program and have been enrolled full-time in the U.S. for at least one full academic year. A full academic year typically consists of the fall and spring semesters, with full-time enrollment defines as a minimum of 36 units per semester. Students in graduate degree programs that require immediate internship participation may be eligible for CPT without meeting the one academic year requirement.

CPT must occur within the dates of a specific academic term as deinfed in the 91ÊÓƵ Academic Calendar.  While your CPT end date must align with your employer's specified end date, you may with your department's approval request authorization through the end of an academic semester. This can help avoid the need to apply for an extension if your employment is later extended through the end of the academic term.

Note: You are not authorized to begin working until OIE has approved your CPT, you have received your CPT I-20 and are within the dates listed on your CPT I-20. CPT authorization can not be granted retroactively or backdated. OIE is currently reviewing options for students whose dissertation or thesis requires external employment for degree completion.

1. Consult with your academic advisor to understand your program's internship/practicum requirement. 
2. After receiving a job offer, request an offer letter from your employer or complete your department's cooperative education agreement form with the employer (you may want to share OIE's Employer Template Letter (pdf). Submit this document with the below information circled or underlined:
   1. The number of hours per week or if the job is full-time.
   2. The complete employer/company address, including zip code (no P.O. Box). If the work location is different from the parent/headquarters location, the letter must indicate your work site address.
   3. The start date of employment (this must be a date in the future and between the start and end date of one academic term).
   4. End date of employment (this must be a date in the future and between the start and end date of one academic term).
3. Enroll in the internship or practicum course that is required for your program during the term you are seeking CPT.
4. Prepare your CPT Academic Advisor Recommendation (pdf) form.
5. Complete and pass the CPT Canvas Course. The will help you learn how to submit your CPT documents online through your MyOIE Portal.
6. Gather and submit the following documents through your MyOIE Portal to apply for CPT:
   1. Offer letter or cooperative agreement form and any supplementary documentation; this should be no more than one to three pages.
   2. Proof of enrollment in a internship or practicum course from .
      1. In SIO: Click Course Schedule → Semester Schedule → Select the correct term/semester (e.g. summer) for the correct year → Print the List Version that shows both the course name and number.
   3. A copy of your most recent that does not include your travel history.
   4. A screenshot of your CPT Canvas course quiz results/grade
7. Receive a new I-20 within ten business days after submitting CPT E-Form Request. This new I-20 will include your work authorization as well as a travel signature. You will be notified by email when your request has been approved. You will be able to download your new I-20 in your MyOIE Portal by clicking on the "Documents" icon at the top right hand toolbar (icon with the down arrow). See instructions.

You can start the CPT application process when summer course registration opens if you have a summer internship. You can find when summer registration begins on the 91ÊÓƵ Academic Calendar. You will receive a new CPT I-20 (which serves as work authorization for your employer) from OIE.