Curricular Practical Training

What is CPT

Curricular Practical Training—CPT is a type of academics-related work/training authorization for F-1s to get practical experience in their field of study. CPT, when authorized, can be used during the degree program. It is not available after the degree program.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows you, as an F-1 student, to accept an off-campus internship or employment offer, as long as it is an integral part of your curriculum or is directly related to your curriculum. 

 

Eligibility

  • Immigration regulations make CPT available to F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year.

    Note: In the case of Gabelli School of Business graduate students, lawfully enrolled full-time for two trimesters is considered eligible for CPT.

  • Securing an internship offer directly related to the student's degree program.

  • CPT must be connected to academic credits, such as internship or practicum credits. We will not be able to process your CPT until after we see your internship credit registration in the university database. 
    • Exception (rare): Such practical training is a requirement for the degree program. In this case, the requirement must be documented by the degree bulletin or a different school publication.   

 

Steps to Apply for CPT

  1. Obtain an offer letter.

  2. Bring your offer letter to:
  3. Your Academic Advisor/Assistant/Class Dean must complete the CPT Form through the OIS CPT Portal. They will upload the CPT Form and offer letter. The OIS CPT portal is a private link only shared with advisors.

  4. A DSO will review the CPT application submitted by your advisor and then issue your CPT authorization (a new I-20). Once a complete CPT application is received, OIS requires 2-3 business days to process your updated I-20. Please stand by during this time. We will notify you when it is ready, and send an update version to your Fordham email, which you should print and sign.

Note: You may not begin your position before receiving the CPT authorized I-20 from the OIS.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • YES! OIS strongly recommends obtaining work authorization for this position. There is only one exception: if you will be a volunteer. To be considered a volunteer, you must:

      • Not be getting paid
      • The organization does not require anything from you (no documents, no academic credit)
      • No documents will be sent up to the US government
      • The organization meets the Department of Labor guidelines of volunteerism

  • CPT is issued on a term-by-term basis. 

  • The extension process is the same as getting a CPT. First, submit the extension offer to your advisor. Any change in CPT must be authorized by the advisor first before OIS makes changes to your I-20. 

  • OIS can shorten your CPT. Any change in CPT must be authorized by the advisor first before OIS makes changes. The advisor can notify OIS via email about the change in the active CPT.

  • Yes, if an advisor approves the application and sends it to OIS. 

  • This applies only to Full Time CPT. If you exhaust 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

      • Part time CPT has no effects on OPT eligibility

  • Do not engage in Full Time CPT for 12 months (365 days) or more. 

  • This is a rare case, as most F-1s are also engaged in full time studies. If an advisor approves it, OIS can issue concurrent CPTs.

  • Retroactive CPT cannot be issued. F-1 students must refrain from engaging in unauthorized employment, as it risks termination of your F-1 status.

  • Use it for employment purposes or regular international travel (along with your passport and valid F-1 stamp.) Also keep a copy for your records.  You will need it for your OPT application. 

  • Yes—CPT authorization does not affect international travel.