Curricular Practical Training

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 international students. It allows you to gain work experience that is a required or important part of your academic program. According to U.S. immigration regulations, CPT can include internships or any other type of required practicum or work opportunity that is offered through a formal agreement between your school and an employer.

At Sacred Heart University, CPT opportunities are often referred to as “internships” or “field experiences.”

What Jobs Qualify for CPT?

To qualify for CPT, the job must meet both of the following conditions:

  1. Directly related to your major field of study, and
  2. An integral or important part of your academic program

Your academic department must approve and confirm that the job meets these conditions:

  • To be eligible for CPT employment, such as an internship or practicum, the experience must be a required component of the program for all students. Keep in mind that each program is structured differently and may have varying CPT eligibility or allowances.
  • The student will earn academic credit for the CPT opportunity by enrolling in a program-specific course. This course must appear on the student’s approved class schedule and has been designed to award credit for practical training or employment experience.

What If the Work Is Optional or Not for Credit?

If the job is not a required part of your program and you don’t receive academic credit, then it likely does not qualify for CPT. Instead, you may be eligible for Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for work experience that is optional or not for credit. Please note that this form of employment can only be used following graduation/completion of a program.

Refer to the 12-Month Post-Completion Optional Practical Training page for more details on OPT.

How Do I Qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

    To be eligible for CPT, students must meet the following criteria:

    • You must first confirm CPT eligibility with your academic department.
      Your department will determine if and when you are eligible to participate in CPT based on your program’s requirements. Please note that each program of study has different guidelines for when students may begin or cease employment.
      • Your academic department may have limits on the number of credits for Curricular Practical Training that you may register for. Each academic department, not OIIS, makes this decision. However, if you participate in twelve months or more of "full time" Curricular Practical Training, you lose eligibility to apply for twelve months of Post Completion Optional Practical Training. Participation in "part time" Curricular Practical Training does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training.
    • You must have a qualifying job offer.
      The job must be directly related to your major field of study. Your offer letter must include:
      • Job title
      • Start and end date (the start date must be in the future), CPT authorization cannot be back dated
      • Number of hours per week
      • Job location
      • Brief description of your job duties
      • Indicate if you are being paid for this position
    • Important: You cannot begin working until your CPT has been approved by the Office of International & Immigration Services (OIIS).
      • You must be careful not to continue employment beyond the date authorized on your I-20 unless you apply for and are granted an extension of your permission to work.

    General Eligibility Guidelines

      If you are a graduate student maintaining lawful F-1 status and employment is a required part of your program, you may apply for CPT with OIIS once your department confirms your eligibility. 

      You must complete at least two semesters of full-time study before becoming eligible for any CPT. You may apply for CPT with OIIS once your department confirms your eligibility.

      Students enrolled in SHU’s English as a Second Language program are not eligible for CPT.

      How to Apply for CPT

      1. Log in to the ISS Student Portal
      2. Choose #4 OIIS Requests
      3. Click on CPT Request
      4. Complete all required sections
      5. Upload your Offer of Employment Letter
      6. Enter your academic advisor’s name and email address under the “Approver” fields (found on Page 2 under "Personal & Program Information")
      7. Select Submit for the request to be sent to your academic advisor then OIIS member for review

      Next Steps After Submitting Your CPT Request

      • OIIS will review your submission within 3–5 business days.
      • Please do not email OIIS after submitting your request—this can delay processing. Once approved, you’ll receive an email with the next steps, including guidance for employment and your CPT authorization.

      Part-Time vs. Full-Time Curricular Practical Training

      If you are working 20 hours per week or less while enrolled full-time in your academic program, your employment is considered part-time CPT.

      • Your Form I-20 will state that you are authorized for part-time training on page 2.
      • You must ensure you do not exceed 20 hours of work per week.
      • There is no limit to how many semesters you can participate in part-time CPT, if you maintain full-time enrollment and F-1 status.

       

      If you are working more than 20 hours per week, your employment is considered full-time CPT.

      • Your Form I-20 will indicate authorization for full-time training on page 2.
      • Like part-time CPT, there is no limit to the number of semesters you can engage in full-time CPT.
      • However, if you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will lose eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

      Obtaining a Social Security Number for CPT

      If you don’t already have an SSN, you can apply for one no more than 30 days before your job start date. The Office of International & Immigration Services can issue a supporting letter for your appointment. This letter is only valid for 30 days.

      For more information, refer to the SSA handout.

      Do I Pay Social Security and Other Taxes? 

      In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. less than five years are exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes. See IRS Publication 519, US Tax Guide for Aliens, for detailed information. A PDF version is also available on the IRS website.

      Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local income taxes. A tax return is due on or before April 15 each year, which will determine if any of these taxes may be refunded. Students are required to file taxes regardless of income each year in the United States. Please work with Sprintax, a trusted non-resident tax software for students.