Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to gain work experience in the United States that is directly related to their academic program. CPT must be an integral part of your curriculum, such as an internship, cooperative education, or practicum.

About CPT

Before applying for CPT, understand these key points:

• CPT authorizes you for work only in the United States
• You must submit a new application each semester, even if you are continuing with the same employer
• If you want to change employers, you must notify ISAO before the change and submit a new application
• If any information about your employment changes (such as ending work before your authorized end date), contact your ISAO advisor so your SEVIS record can be updated
• Even if your internship is unpaid, you must apply for CPT work authorization

Full-time CPT

Working more than 20 hours per week qualifies as full-time CPT.

• Your total hours between on-campus and off-campus employment must be more than 20 hours per week and less than 40 hours per week
• Accumulating 365 days of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT (for example, three months of full-time CPT each summer for four years equals 365 days)
• You must maintain full-time enrollment or have submitted a Reduced Course Load/FTE form

Full-time CPT availability varies by degree level:

Bachelor's students

Full-time CPT is allowed only during summer break, winter break, or your graduating semester

Master's students

Full-time CPT is allowed only during summer break, winter break, or your graduating semester

Ph.D. students

Full-time CPT is reviewed and authorized on a case-by-case basis

Part-time CPT

Working 20 hours or less per week qualifies as part-time CPT.

• You can apply for CPT even if you have an on-campus job, including research and teaching assistantships
• You can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while also working up to 20 hours per week off campus through part-time CPT

Volunteer and unpaid work

Employment is defined by the nature of the experience, not whether you are paid. If your internship is unpaid, you may still need CPT authorization before starting work.

Always consult your ISAO advisor before starting any type of work, including volunteer or unpaid internships. Do not rely on your employer or supervisor to know whether authorization is required.

For more information, review the Employment and Volunteering guide (PDF).

Eligibility

To qualify for CPT, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be in valid F-1 visa status
• Be registered as a full-time student in an academic program (students enrolled in ESL courses are not eligible)
• Have completed one full academic year in the United States at the undergraduate or graduate level (some graduate programs require immediate participation)
• Be in good academic standing and making progress toward graduation
• Have a job offer letter at the time of application
• Have a position that is directly related to your program of study
• Be enrolled in a course connected to your CPT during the semester you will be working (if doing summer CPT, you must be enrolled in a summer course; consult your academic advisor about which course to enroll in)

Additional eligibility notes:

• CPT is only available before graduation or completion of your program
• If you have already completed all degree requirements, you are not eligible for CPT
• You cannot delay graduation to apply for CPT as a way to extend employment
• CPT is granted on a case-by-case basis each semester, and approval is not guaranteed

How to Apply

Submit your CPT application through the ISAO Portal at least seven to 10 business days before your requested start date.

As part of your application, you will also need to submit:

• CPT Employer Form (PDF)
• CPT Professor Approval Form (PDF)

Application deadlines

• Spring: Before March 15
• Summer: Before June 30
• Fall: Before Oct. 15

2025-2026 CPT schedule

Fall 2026

• Start date: Aug. 24th, 2026
• End date (fall graduates): Dec. 18th, 2026
• End date (continuing into Spring 2027): December 31st, 2026

Spring 2026

• Start date: Jan. 1, 2026
• End date: May 15, 2026

Summer 2026

• Start date: May 16, 2026
• End date (summer graduates): July 31, 2026
• End date (continuing into fall 2026): Aug. 23, 2026

Important Restrictions

CPT is academic in nature and should not be used solely as an income source. We do not recommend bridging CPT employment directly to OPT, as this may create issues with your Post-Completion OPT application, STEM OPT, or H-1B visa. If your CPT internship unexpectedly becomes an offer for full-time OPT employment, we recommend obtaining a new offer letter that describes how your position has changed.

You may not begin work until you receive a new I-20 with employment authorization for your specific employer and dates of employment.

Starting work before you are authorized is considered unauthorized employment and will result in the termination of your I-20/F-1 status in the United States.

Official CPT Definition

According to federal regulations, Curricular Practical Training is defined as:

"An F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work-study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school."

For the complete regulation, review the SEVP guidance on CPT.