Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off-campus employment authorization for international students in F-1 status. CPT is defined by U.S. immigration regulations as an integral part of a student’s curriculum and must be directly related to the student’s major field of study (8 CFR 214.2(f)).

Who can apply for CPT?

• To be eligible, you must have maintained lawful F-1 status and been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. An exception may apply if your graduate program requires immediate participation in off-campus training.
• The training must count for academic credit toward your degree program. If your academic department does not support your CPT request, you are not eligible.
• CPT is only available for structured internships or practicums that fulfill specific educational objectives outlined in your program of study in the MSU catalog.
• CPT is intended to meet a specific academic requirement, not to facilitate ongoing employment. Repeat CPT authorizations are generally not permitted unless required by your degree program.

When can I apply for CPT?

• You must have a job offer before submitting a CPT application. CPT authorization is employer-specific and limited to a defined location and time period.
• Processing requires a minimum of five (5) business days after submission of a complete application to the Office of International Programs.

How many hours may I work if I am approved for CPT?

• During the academic year (fall and spring), CPT is limited to part-time employment (20 hours or fewer per week), unless full-time participation is required by your degree program. Full-time CPT is typically permitted during the summer term.
• If approved, you will receive a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization listed on page two. This document serves as your official proof of work authorization. You must not begin work before the authorized start date and must stop working on or before the end date listed on your I-20. Unauthorized employment is a violation of F-1 status.
• Per current USCIS policy, students who accumulate more than 364 days of full-time CPT become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Policies may change without notice, and CPT participation may impact future OPT eligibility.

What enrollment requirements apply while on CPT?

• You must remain enrolled in the course associated with your CPT for the entire term. Dropping or being removed from the course for any reason (including non-payment) will result in immediate cancellation of your CPT authorization. You may not reapply until the following semester.
• You must maintain a full course of study during fall and spring semesters, including the CPT course. CPT must be completed before you finish your degree requirements.
• CPT cannot be the only course in your final semester unless it is required by your program (e.g., student teaching).
• Keep permanent records of all coursework and assignments related to your CPT, along with your F-1 documents. These may be requested by the Department of Homeland Security at any time.

A Note of Caution:

While USCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for international students in F-1 status to be employed, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with the MSU International Student Coordinator before taking up ANY employment. It is YOUR responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations that apply to F-1 students.

Remember that CPT authorization is not complete until your I-20 is updated with CPT information by the Office of International Programs. Under no circumstances are you allowed to start off-campus employment until you receive a new I-20 with training dates listed on page 2. Working off-campus without prior authorization is a violation of F-1 status.

Please read all of the eligibility criteria in part one of this website first. Remember that some majors do not fit the criteria for CPT, so students may not be eligible to apply. Those students should focus on Optional Practical Training (OPT) instead, which is intended for students to gain work experience in their field of study after graduation

Below are some examples of off-campus experiences that are a good fit for CPT:

• Required College of Business internships through the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy (BADM 497, BIT 497, FIN 497, ACCT 497).
• Accounting Internship with VITA program (ACCT 497).
• Communication Disorders graduate level required externships (CD 517).
• Nursing summer internship that occurs between junior and senior year (NURS 497).
• Student teaching (ED 491-495).
• Science summer research fellowship programs that allow the student to earn required research credit toward Biology or Chemistry degrees (BIOL 492, CHEM 494).
• Broadcasting Internship (COMM 397).
• Criminal Justice Field Experience (CJ 497).
• Computer Science Internship (CSCI 497).

Some of the most common reasons why CPT applications are denied include:

• Major degree program does not require CPT participation for graduation.
• Student wants "work experience," and should wait until graduation to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) instead.
• Proposed work is not rigorous or academically focused.
• Proposed work occurs on-campus.
• Student has had previous CPT authorization.
• Student has a GPA lower than 2.5 or is struggling academically. 
• Student submitted an incomplete application.
• CPT cannot be approved for any cannabis related industry (including working in a lab extracting CBD oil for medical purposes).

First, meet with your academic advisor or internship advisor to determine whether a specific training opportunity will be approved for academic credit. Without your academic department’s support, you cannot be authorized for CPT. Not all departments allow students to take part in CPT.

Please download this CPT Application Packet. This application can be filled out online or printed out and filled out. Included in this CPT Application Packet are the following documents:

• Student Certification: You must read and sign this form, in which you agree to abide by all CPT regulations. 
• Employer and Instructor Letter: Ask your prospective employer to write an Employer Hire Letter and ask your instructor to write an Instructor Objective Letter, including all the information outlined in the instructions. Your employer and instructor need to understand the regulations and limitations surrounding CPT, as well as their important role in meeting your educational program requirements.
• Academic Chair Certification: You will begin by filling out this form with information about the CPT opportunity you are requesting. Then, you must give this form to your Academic Chair to fill out and certify. Be sure to bring your Employer Hire Letter and Instructor Objective Letter to your Academic Chair to go through. They will review all of your documents and verify that you will earn the required academic credit for the experience. 

Finally, submit all four components of the completed CPT application to the Office of International Programs. You can either submit a paper application or send it via email. Your CPT application will undergo review within the Office of International Programs. You will receive an email stating whether the CPT application is granted or denied. 

If your CPT application is approved, a new I-20 will be printed, and you will be notified by email. Verify that the CPT authorization information entered on page 2 of the I-20 is correct, including training dates and the location where the training will take place. Authorization is not complete until the I-20 is updated with CPT information by the Office of International Programs.