Curricular Practical Training CPT

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students who are seeking authorized off-campus employment that is considered an "integral part of an established curriculum." More information about this process is reviewed during the CPT information sessions held throughout the year.  

CPT FAQ Sessions

Registration for the FAQ session is not required. It is recommended that you view the CPT informational video on the website prior to the FAQ session so you can bring your questions to the session.  

Join Zoom Meeting:  Meeting ID: 882 6604 2567 Passcode: 826159 

• Tuesday, February 3 at 11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 19 at 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 8 at 12 p.m.
• Monday, May 5 at 3 p.m.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must complete one year as a full-time student in both fall and spring semester in the U.S.
• There may be some exceptions to the one-year in F-1 status rule for some graduate programs that require an internship/practicum in the first year of the program
• Academic eligibility is determined by the academic department. Consult with your advisors for GPA or coursework requirements
• You must enroll in a required/available elective internship, co-op or practicum course
• You must have a job offer before requesting CPT
• If you are enrolled in other face-to-face courses while completing your internship, it is not permissible to accept an internship that is outside of the Houston area, unless it is a remote internship

Choosing CPT Dates

• CPT may begin as early as the day after the official closing of the prior semester
• CPT must end no later than the official closing of the semester in which you are registered for the course
• Exceptions to the per semester approval rule apply to PsyD students in their one year internship at the end of their program

On-Campus Work while on CPT

• If approved for full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week), you cannot work on campus
• If approved for part-time CPT (less than 20 hours per week), you can work up to 20 hours on CPT and up to 20 hours per week at any on-campus job throughout the academic year
• If your internship is taking place on-campus, you must adhere to on-campus employment rules. No CPT authorization is required for an on-campus internship.
• For full-time CPT, you may work up to 40 hours per week. Full-time CPT is permissible during the summer semester, and during fall and spring semesters, if required by the internship course.

Changes while on CPT

• You should stop working if there are any changes to your employer, or your employment information, such as your address of employment, until OIAS has updated your SEVIS record and you have an I-20 reflecting the change.
• Inform OIAS in writing if your employment ends prior to the the authorized CPT end date on your I-20.

How to Apply for CPT

Speak with your academic advisor about the internship, co-op, or practicum approval process for your program/College. If you are interested in participating in a co-op, we recommend you speak with the Center for Career Development about their approval process. 

1. Start the process with your academic department (internship/practicum) or co-op (Center for Career Development)
2. Once enrolled in the internship/practicum/co-op course, submit the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request in the ISD Portal. 
3. List your academic advisor in the request. They must complete an online form confirming that your internship is required or an elective and will not delay your graduation if you are taking it as an extra course.
4. Upload the following into the ISD Portal request: Candidate Plan of Study (CPS), Official job offer letter on letterhead, and one of the following:
   1. Copy of internships or affiliation agreement with all signatures - your academic department has a copy of this agreement.
   2. Copy of co-op paperwork. This will be sent directly from the Center for Career Development to your international student advisor - you don't have to upload it yourself.
5. Please allow 5 business days for processing.

Regulatory Restriction

Please note that to work without approval (for another employer, above the authorized hours per week, before your CPT authorization begins, after it has ended, etc.) is a violation of your F-1 status.