Background Image

CPT - Frequently Asked Questions

When is CPT recommended?
Who is eligible for CPT?
How much CPT can I be authorized for?
How many hours can my CPT be authorized for?
When can I begin my off-campus employment through CPT?
Can I change employers while on authorized CPT?
Can I extend my CPT authorization?
What is required to apply for Curricular Practical Training?
What are my responsibilities while on CPT?

When is CPT recommended?
At CU, the following scenarios will be used to determine if your proposed employment qualifies for CPT authorization;

  • CPT is recommended when it is beneficial for the student to engage in the employment experience but the experience is NOT necessary for the completion of the degree. Students authorized for recommended CPT are required by current immigration regulations to register for a minimum of 1 college credit, which reflects the CPT placement. This credit must be granted by the academic department for each semester/summer of CPT placement. This course credit can be  SI300/500 (Professional Internship) or an independent study course reflective of the work that will be done during the CPT employment.
  • Employment offered under cooperative agreements between an employer and Clarkson University’s Cooperative Education Office, which is an integral part of the curriculum but not required for a particular course – of all students – or not for credit.
  • PhD Students in dissertation status where the training opportunity is an absolutely necessary component of the student's research - without which the doctoral dissertation cannot be completed - may be authorized to undertake curricular practical training. A letter from the student's dissertation advisor explaining in detail the relationship between the proposed employment and the student's doctoral dissertation research must be provided. Note: Applies to PhD students needing only thesis completions are eligible.
Back to top

Who is eligible for CPT?

Students in F-1 status must have been lawfully enrolled in school on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year (2 full semesters) before becoming eligible for practical training. CPT must be undertaken while in F1 status and before completion of an educational objective. Students who have completed 30 or 90 credit hours will be reviewed for CPT eligibility and may need to apply for optional practical training (OPT).
Back to top

How much CPT can I be authorized for?

Most students will be eligible for 1 or 2 semesters of training – additional applications will be reviewed to determine whether Optional Practical Training is more appropriate for word to be done after completion of your degree program. It is important to note that students who complete 12 or more months of full time curricular practical training will be ineligible for optional practical training. To continue to be eligible for OPT you will want to make sure to do 364 days or less of full-time CPT.
Back to top

How many hours can my CPT be authorized for?

Part-Time Curricular Practical Training involves employment of 20 hours or less per week while you are enrolled for classes. You must simultaneously be enrolled as a full time student along with 1 credit of CPT placement to maintain status.

Full-Time Curricular Practical Training involved employment of more than 20 hours per week. This option is only available,
  • during the summer
  • for graduate students whose thesis or project requires CPT and who are enrolled in thesis credits

Back to top

When can I begin my off-campus employment through CPT?

You must have authorization from the International Students & Scholars Office before you are able to begin any paid or unpaid internship or any other form of authorized curricular practical training. As an F-1 student your employment cannot begin until you receive your SEVIS I-20 with the curricular practical training endorsement. You are only eligible to work for your employer according to the beginning and end dates on your I-20. Any work that takes place outside the approved dates for curricular practical training is considered unauthorized employment.
Back to top

Can I change employers while on authorized CPT?

No. Curricular Practical Training is employer specific and you will need to submit another application to the ISSO for approval.
Back to top

Can I extend my CPT authorization?

Yes, you are able to extend your CPT authorization – however – you will need to submit another CPT application to the ISSO for approval. Please keep in mind that you are only authorized to work at your employer/co-op/internship during the dates specified on your I-20.
Back to top

What is required to apply for Curricular Practical Training?

To apply for Curricular Practical Training, please submit the following to the ISSO, 229 Price Hall (Thomas Entrance) where it will be reviewed for approval.

  • Completed Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form for CPT
  • Offer letter from employer on their official letterhead which includes:
    • Brief description of duties to be performed
    • Exact starting and ending dates of your employment
    • Number of hours per week
    • Supervisor’s name, title, address and phone number

Back to top

What are my responsibilities while on CPT?

While on CPT you still have certain responsibilties to maintain lawful student status, such as:

  • Always report any change of address to the ISSO.
  • Only work at the company indicated on your I-20.
  • Only work during the authorized time period as indicated on your I-20.
  • Remain in valid student enrollment within your program of study at Clarkson University.

Back to top