About Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to participate in an internship or practical experience that is integral to their major field of study. The internship must fulfill a curricular requirement for practical training, such as a required internship, practicum, or field experience, and must be directly related to your program of study. CPT authorizes employment in a supervised, temporary position.

You must receive CPT authorization before beginning any paid or unpaid internship. CPT can be authorized for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).

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CPT Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for CPT, you must meet ALL of the following conditions:

• Be in valid F-1 status and have a confirmed internship opportunity
• Be enrolled full-time at WSU in a degree-seeking program for at least one full academic year prior to the proposed CPT start date (graduate students enrolled in programs that require immediate participation in CPT may be exempt from this requirement)
• Continue enrollment as a student during the CPT authorization period (there is a single exception to this)
• Be majoring in a field of study that includes internship or off-campus research credits as part of the established curriculum

Academic Enrollment Requirement

Enrollment requirements for CPT vary by academic level and major.

• Undergraduate Students are generally required to enroll in academic credits during the semester(s) they participate in CPT. This usually involves registration for an internship, practicum, or similar course.
• Graduate students have varying enrollment requirements based on their program, academic level, CPT dates, and progress toward degree completion.

For a more detailed explanation, please speak with an international student advisor.

The CPT Application Process

The CPT process should begin with your department. If you have an internship opportunity, speak with your department to see if there is a programmatic need for the internship, such as a program requirement or an internship class you can take as an elective. For graduate students, the internship must make a meaningful contribution to your program goals, such as research needs or specific program requirements.

If your department is supportive, you can apply for CPT at myPassport. You will need to provide an internship offer letter as evidence of the opportunity, and your department will need to approve the request. If we have the information we need and your application meets our requirements for approval, we will issue you a new I-20 with the CPT approval on page two.

You have authorization to work only for the employer and for the period specified on Page 2 of your new I-20. If you wish to change internship provider or extend your CPT, you must obtain a new authorization in advance.

CPT and Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will become ineligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same educational level.

Not Eligible for CPT?

If you are not eligible for CPT, you may be eligible for pre-completion OPT. Talk with an International Student and Scholar Services advisor to explore your OPT options.

How to Apply for CPT

Advisors in the WSU Office of International Programs authorize CPT, not the U.S. government. You must apply and receive authorization before starting CPT. Once you submit your application to International Student and Scholar Services, allow up to 5 business days for it to be processed.

Check that You Meet All Eligibility Criteria

Speak with your academic advisor to determine if there is an internship option built into your curriculum. If you are a graduate student needing to do research off campus, work with an advisor to determine the type of job needed to meet research requirements.

Once you have established there is a curricular connection for an internship, please speak with an International Student and Scholar Services advisor.

Finally, find an internship!

Complete and Submit Forms in myPassport

Once you have established curricular necessity for an internship, spoken with an International Student and Scholar Services advisor, and found an internship, you can begin the CPT application process.

Ask your internship provider to give you an internship offer letter that includes:

• Internship start and end dates
• Internship address
• A brief description of the internship duties.

Submit a CPT request in myPassport. You will need to upload the internship offer letter mentioned above. Upon submission, your advisor will be asked to provide documentation explaining how this internship is part of your program of study.

Pick Up a New I-20

After you submit a complete packet, an international student advisor will review your request and will contact you by email with any additional questions or with the decision on your application. If your request is approved, International Student and Scholar Services will contact you by email to inform you that an updated I-20 is ready.

Start Your CPT

You have authorization to work only for the employer and for the period specified on Page 2 of your new I-20. If you wish to change employers or extend your CPT, you must obtain a new authorization in advance.