Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• Overview

  Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work-authorization used for F-1 students to complete off-campus training experiences. The primary purpose of CPT is to gain practical experience in the student's field of study. The training experience must be an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to the student's major area of study.

  Since CPT is curricular in nature, the student must also enroll for a course that requires an off-campus training experience. CPT is not possible for all F-1 students because it is dependent on the academic requirements of a specific academic program.

  Please note that “employment” is defined as any type of service for which a benefit, including academic credit, is received. Therefore, even if the student will not be paid for the internship, they should obtain CPT authorization.

  Engagement in off-campus paid or unpaid activities, such as internships, practicums, field work, rotations, or volunteer opportunities, require prior authorization. This applies even if the activity is a mandatory part of your program's curriculum.

  Eligibility Requirements

  To be eligible for CPT authorization you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You are currently in F-1 status and maintaining status.
  2. You have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters).
     • Students who changed degree levels at Stony Brook or transferred from another U.S. college/university may be eligible for CPT based on time spent in previous programs of study. Please contact VIS to determine eligibility.
     • An exception to this requirement is given to graduate students whose academic program requires immediate participation in an off-campus internship or field placement.
  3. You have an internship/training experience offer that is directly related to your field of study and integral to your curriculum.
  4. You are registered for a course that requires the practical training experience. This course must be listed in the course catalog, specifically designed for a practical training experience, and be a minimum of one credit.
  5. If you have completed all required course work except thesis or dissertation, your CPT must contribute data to your thesis or dissertation.

  Enrollment Requirements

  To qualify for CPT, you must be enrolled in a course that is listed in the course catalog, specifically designed for a practical training experience, and be a minimum of one credit. Enrollment is required during each semester a CPT is requested (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).

  The course may be mandatory for all students in the degree program or may be optional, but must be within your program of study and MUST apply toward completion of your degree requirements.

  • If applying for Fall or Spring CPT, you must be enrolled full-time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load for Final Semester of Study before VIS can approve your CPT request.
  • If applying for Summer or Winter CPT and it is your final semester, you must be enrolled full-time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load for Final Semester of Study before VIS can approve your CPT request. If Summer or Winter are not your final semester, then full-time enrollment is not required.

  Full-time vs. Part-Time Authorization

  Full-Time CPT (more than 20 hours of work per week) is not possible during a student's final semester of study unless required for degree completion. Most CPT authorizations are limited to 20 hours per week (part-time).

  Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) is possible only if:

  • The CPT is requested for the summer or winter term (if it is not your final semester), OR
  • The degree program requires an internship involving more than 20 hours of work per week, OR
  • If you have completed all course requirements for your degree (excluding thesis or equivalent), and the activity will contribute data for your dissertation/thesis.

  An accumulation of 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT for that degree level.

  Application Process

  To apply for CPT, follow the directions below. We recommend submitting your application at least 5-7 business days before your expected employment start date.

  If you are submitting a last minute request, it is your responsibility to notify your department AND VIS that you have submitted this request, and ask if expedited processing is possible.

  Important: Submission of this request in accessVIS does NOT authorize you to begin working. You must not begin working (with or without pay) until you have received authorization from VIS in the form of an updated Form I-20.

  Step 1: Attend a group advising/info session

  Attend a CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Group Advising Session. During the session, advisors will provide an overview of Curricular Practical Training and Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students. Students will also have a chance to ask questions following the information session to ensure they have the knowledge they need to apply for either CPT or Pre-Completion OPT.

  In lieu of attending the virtual session, you can review the CPT & Pre-Completion OPT presentation slides.

  Step 2: Register for an approved internship course

  You must be enrolled in an approved internship course for each semester you will request CPT authorization (including winter and summer terms). The course may be mandatory for all students in the degree program or may be optional, but must be in the major area of study and must apply toward completion of the degree requirements.

  Step 3: Submit the Curricular Practical Training request in accessVIS

  Complete the Curricular Practical Training request in accessVIS being sure to upload a copy of your official offer letter from the employer. The letter must be signed (handwritten or official digital signature) and printed on company letterhead detailing the following points:

  • Description of the specific duties
  • Dates of employment (begin and end dates)
  • Number of hours of work per week
  • Physical address of the employment (do not use P.O. Box). If the work is remote, that must be indicated in the letter.
  • Name of your supervisor
  • If you are applying for an SSN, your letter must indicate that it is a paid position.

  For a template letter, click here

  Step 4: Routed to Major Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator/ Director for review.

  Upon submission of the request, your Major Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator/ Director will be emailed a link to review the information provided, verify your academic standing, and certify how the employment relates to your degree program/dissertation.

  If you have not already discussed this request with him/her, please do so immediately.

  VIS cannot authorize you for CPT until your department has submitted their portion of the request.

  Step 5: VIS Review & Processing

  VIS will review your request. Please allow 5-7 business days. If all eligibility requirements are met, VIS will approve the CPT and email the student their new CPT I-20.

  Any work outside of your approved CPT dates is unauthorized employment. The internship/training experience cannot begin until the CPT I-20 is issued and the start date has passed. Retroactive authorizations will not be granted.

  Internship with A Foreign Employer

  For international students conducting internships outside the U.S. with a foreign company or foreign branch of a U.S. company, U.S. work authorization (CPT or OPT) is not required. However, VIS recommends that your employment offer letter and any additional communication from your employer should clearly state that you will be working from outside the U.S. It's important to retain this information for your immigration records. In case of inquiries about your internship, you can explain the arrangement and provide supporting documentation.

  If your internship involves working or training with the foreign company while you are physically in the U.S. at any point, you must obtain valid U.S. work authorization in advance.

  Important Considerations

  • When authorized for CPT, you are permitted to work only from the specified beginning date through the specified ending date. You must not continue employment beyond the date authorized unless you apply and are granted an extension of your permission to work from VIS.
  • CPT cannot be authorized after course requirements, thesis/project or dissertation are completed.
  • Once you apply for Post-Completion OPT, you are no longer eligible for CPT. Remember, CPT must be an “integral part of an established curriculum”. You are not eligible for CPT if you have completed all degree requirements.
  • An accumulation of 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT for that degree level.

   

• Group Advising & Information Sessions

  
  CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Group Advising & Information Sessions

  For those aiming to participate in off-campus paid or unpaid activities including internships, practicums, field work, rotations, and volunteer opportunities, this workshop is invaluable. During this session, advisors will provide an overview of Curricular Practical Training and Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students. Students will also have a chance to ask questions following the information session to ensure they have the knowledge they need to apply for either CPT or Pre-Completion OPT.

  Spring 2024 Sessions

  Date	Time	Location
  Friday, January 26th	3pm - 4pm	Zoom - Register here
  Wednesday, April 24th	7pm - 8pm	Zoom - Register here

• FAQs

  
  Frequently Asked Questions

  I have just been offered an internship opportunity. Can I begin working right away?

  No. You must have been approved for and have received an updated I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor and endorsed for CPT before you may begin work.

  My degree program does not require an internship. Does this mean I cannot participate in an off-campus internship?

  Not necessarily. If you have a job offer in your field of study, but the work is not required for you to make academic progress, you may not qualify for CPT, but pre-completion OPT may be an option. Speak with your VIS Advisor.

  Can I use my current CPT authorization for another internship since it has not yet expired?

  No. A CPT authorization is a job-specific authorization, so you must complete and a new CPT request in accessVIS if you wish to extend or add additional employment.

  Can I do full-time CPT and still be eligible for the full 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

  Yes, as long as you do not exceed 365 days of full-time CPT. Students who have been authorized for one year or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT.

  Part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.

  What should I do if I quit my training before the original anticipated CPT authorization end date?

  You should contact your International Student Advisor immediately so that we can amend your authorization dates.

  This is especially important if you were authorized for full-time CPT, so that this time will not count against your eligibility for OPT.

  Do I need to submit proof of enrollment for the past academic year?

  No, your VIS Advisor will verify your enrollment history through the university system. However, if you recently transferred to Stony Brook and wish to begin work on CPT prior to having been enrolled here for one academic year, you will need to provide us with transcripts from your previous school to show that you have fulfilled the enrollment requirement.

  I work at the library for five hours a week and have been offered an internship off-campus. Am I eligible to apply for CPT?

  Yes, the amount of hours you work on-campus under on-campus work authorization does not infringe on the amount of hours you can work under CPT. While school is in session, your on-campus work has to be 20 hours a week or less, and you must follow the guidelines for the specific CPT you are authorized for (either part-time or full-time).

  Do I need to apply for CPT for an unpaid internship?

  Yes! You must apply for work authorization for any internship, even if you will not be paid.

  May I volunteer for an off-campus organization without CPT authorization?

  Even if you are not being paid for work you are performing off-campus, you may still require CPT authorization.

  From an immigration standpoint, volunteering is considered a selfless act of donating one's time to the benefit of others. It is not unpaid employment. True volunteers donate their time without expecting anything in return professionally or monetarily. If the activity relates to your studies or intended profession, it is likely considered training, and requires advance authorization from our office or USCIS.

  If you intend to work for a company and the activity is related to your field of study or intended profession, this would be considered "unpaid employment," and would indeed require work authorization such as CPT.

  How do I know that I am authorized for CPT? When may I begin work?

  You will receive an email that your updated Form I-20 has been issued. Prior to beginning your training you must be in possession of this updated Form I-20, which will be properly endorsed with the CPT authorization on page two.

  Employment before or after your authorized dates of training will jeopardize your F-1 status.

  Do I have to take classes while on CPT?

  Yes. Enrollment in an approved internship course is required. The course may be mandatory for all students in the degree program or may be optional, but must be in the major area of study and must apply toward completion of the degree requirements.

  Is there a minimum credit requirement for the independent study and/ or internship course?

  You must be enrolled in an approved internship course for at least 1 credit.

  I only need 1 credit of an internship course to graduate, but the course is only offered online, is this allowed?

  During their final semester, students must enroll in at least one in-person/hybrid course in order to maintain their status. Even if authorized for a Reduced Course Load for Final Semester of Study, students must still include a course with a physical presence requirement to support their stay in the United States.

  This means that if you need only 1 credit to complete your degree requirements, that credit must be fulfilled by enrolling in an in-person or hybrid course. In the instance where the remaining degree requirement is an internship, the physical presence requirement for that specific course can be met by participating in an in-person internship.

  Detailed information about the location and mode of the internship should be clearly stated in the offer letter or as an attached addendum.

  I have been enrolled as a full-time student for the past two years but in H-4 status and just recently changed to F-1 student status. Am I eligible to apply for CPT?

  Yes. As long as you are currently in F-1 status and have been enrolled as a full-time student for at least one academic year, you are eligible to apply for CPT.

  Can I maintain my CPT eligibility if I leave the United States and continue my studies from my home country?

  If your internship or work opportunity is with an international employer and is located outside the United States, there are typically no specific restrictions regarding such employment or internships. You can still fulfill the internship requirement for your degree program without the need for CPT authorization, as the work or internship is taking place outside the U.S.

  However, it's essential to be aware that if you are in your final semester of study and will be located outside the U.S., you may face challenges in meeting the physical presence requirement. In such a case, your F-1 status might need to be terminated, and unfortunately, this could result in the forfeiture of your eligibility for OPT.

  Students considering completing their final degree requirements while abroad or through another institution should proactively discuss their plans with the VIS office, as their F-1 status and eligibility for benefits may be affected.

  Do I need CPT work authorization if my internship is entirely abroad/outside the U.S.?

  For international students conducting internships outside the U.S., whether with a foreign branch of a U.S. company or a foreign company, U.S. work authorization (CPT or OPT) is not required. However, VIS recommends that your employment offer letter and any additional communication from your employer should clearly state that you will be working remotely from outside the U.S. It's important to retain this information for your immigration records. In case of inquiries about your internship, you can explain the arrangement and provide supporting documentation.

  If at any point, though, during your internship you decide to return to the U.S. and continue working while you are physically in the U.S., you must obtain a valid U.S. work authorization in advance.