Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to work off-campus in their academic field.

CPT must be an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program, including “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school” [8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(i)].

• Who is eligible to apply for CPT?

  • F-1 international students can apply for CPT authorization after completing one academic year as a full-time student.
  • The position must meet the following requirements:
    • Paid or unpaid internship for an off-campus employer
    • Employment must be related to your area of study
    • Employment must be a degree requirement or optional and credit-bearing
    • Students must obtain authorization from ISS prior to beginning work. CPT is processed through ISS and there is a short processing time.
    • CPT can only be authorized before graduation.
    • Using more than 12 months of full-time CPT during a current degree level will revoke eligibility for OPT

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) options at Williams:

  1. Summer Internship Experience Course (SPEC 41)

  • Summer Internship course for international students. Summer internships are the most common way that Williams international students work off-campus with CPT authorization.
  • Full-time work permitted (more than 20 hours/week). The course can be completed remotely.
  •  3-page Reflection paper due to ISS before the end of the summer about your summer internship experience, skills acquired, and how it has impacted your academics and future career goals.
  • You will receive credit for this course, but it is not part of your degree requirements.

  2. Winter Study Internship Course (CCE 21)

  Winter Study course offered in January by '68 Career Center for Career Exploration. Click here for more information.

  • CPT is required for both Student Self-Sourced Winter Internships and opportunities from the Winter Study Internship List (provided by Career Center.)
  • Unfortunately, first-year international students cannot participate in this course due to the CPT eligibility requirements.

  3. Independent Study course (Fall/Spring semester)

  • • Requires working with a faculty advisor to plan a customized course that includes an internship component. (See Independent Study.)
    • All details regarding the course and internship must be finalized for registration before the end of add/drop period.

  4. Internship as part of the existing course (Fall/Spring semester)

  Enrolling in a course that includes an internship requirement for all students taking the class.

• How many hours can I work on CPT?

  CPT authorization is for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year (fall and spring semesters.) During vacation periods, such as the summer, CPT can be authorized for full-time employment exceeding 20 hours per week.

• How can I apply for CPT?

  Log in to the International Portal and submit the "Curricular Practical Training Request."

  You will need to submit the following information:

  1. A description of how the job or internship is related to your field of study
  2. A copy of the job offer letter you obtained from the employer.

  The job offer letter must include the following information on company letterhead:

  1. 1. Your name
     2. Company's name and address
     3. A statement of the job offer
     4. The number of hours to be worked [or full or part-time specified]
     5. The start and end date of the employment

Important Reminders:

• Do not begin working until you have CPT authorization and have your new CPT I-20. Working without authorization is a serious violation of immigration law and your visa status.
• CPT is only valid for the employer and duration listed on your CPT I-20. A new application is required for every semester.
• Students cannot be self-employed or supervised by a currently enrolled college student.
• Students can request CPT for multiple positions during the same semester/course as long as the duration of the internship or employment does not overlap.

If you have any questions about your visa status or CPT requirements, please make sure to contact [email protected].