Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
WHAT IS CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, 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)]. CPT is only available prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have a job offer at the time of application.
There are two types of CPT:
Required part of program – the academic program requires employment in the field of study prior to graduation.
Non-required part of program – the practical experience is for credit and directly related to your field of study. You must be enrolled for course credit while engaging in this type of CPT.
PART TIME CPT VS. FULL TIME CPT
Part-time CPT
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CPT?
Students who are in F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time at St. John's University for at least one full academic year are eligible for CPT. You must have a job offer before applying for CPT authorization.
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CPT
-You must enroll in a course to pursue CPT
-The credit could be an internship, cooperative education program, practicum, independent study or a similar course through your academic department- your academic advisor can help identify the appropriate course.
-The credit/s must be earned in the same semester for which CPT is authorized.
-Graduate students may not use thesis or dissertation credits to fulfill the CPT credit requirement.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
You are eligible to apply up to 90 days before the end of your first year of study. CPT employment cannot begin until the first academic year is complete. You CANNOT start working until you obtain CPT authorization from the International Student & Scholar Services Office.
VOLUNTEERING
If you are participating in an internship or placement that is required for your degree program or required for credit, then CPT authorization is required whether or not you will be paid for the placement.
If you wish to volunteer for an organization in a role that is not a curricular requirement and not paid, volunteering without ISSSO authorization may be permissible in limited circumstances. The U.S. Department of Labor has established guidelines for employers related to Fair Labor Standards and for paid and unpaid internships.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, 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)]. CPT is only available prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have a job offer at the time of application.
There are two types of CPT:
Required part of program – the academic program requires employment in the field of study prior to graduation.
Non-required part of program – the practical experience is for credit and directly related to your field of study. You must be enrolled for course credit while engaging in this type of CPT.
PART TIME CPT VS. FULL TIME CPT
Part-time CPT
- Employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered "part-time" CPT. There is no limitation on the length of time you may participate in part-time CPT. You must be simultaneously enrolled full-time in order to maintain lawful F-1 status.
- Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered "full-time" CPT. Please be aware that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will cancel your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CPT?
Students who are in F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time at St. John's University for at least one full academic year are eligible for CPT. You must have a job offer before applying for CPT authorization.
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CPT
-You must enroll in a course to pursue CPT
-The credit could be an internship, cooperative education program, practicum, independent study or a similar course through your academic department- your academic advisor can help identify the appropriate course.
-The credit/s must be earned in the same semester for which CPT is authorized.
-Graduate students may not use thesis or dissertation credits to fulfill the CPT credit requirement.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
You are eligible to apply up to 90 days before the end of your first year of study. CPT employment cannot begin until the first academic year is complete. You CANNOT start working until you obtain CPT authorization from the International Student & Scholar Services Office.
VOLUNTEERING
If you are participating in an internship or placement that is required for your degree program or required for credit, then CPT authorization is required whether or not you will be paid for the placement.
If you wish to volunteer for an organization in a role that is not a curricular requirement and not paid, volunteering without ISSSO authorization may be permissible in limited circumstances. The U.S. Department of Labor has established guidelines for employers related to Fair Labor Standards and for paid and unpaid internships.
** PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU CANNOT START YOUR PAID INTERNSHIP UNTIL ISSSO HAS AUTHORIZED YOUR EMPLOYMENT ON YOUR I-20 **