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Curricular Practical Training

Notice: Changes to CPT Processing

In light of DHS’ new guidance on CPT, ISS is temporarily pausing CPT authorizations for non-mandatory coursework. ISS will continue to process degree-required CPT as normal.

ISS remains committed to supporting all international students impacted during this time and ensuring they are able to fully participate in the academic and professional opportunities that are essential to their educational experience.

What is Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization which permits eligible F-1 international students to engage in paid or unpaid work experience which "is an integral part of the established curriculum" and "directly related to the student's major area of study." Employment includes alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of internship or practicum that is required of all students to graduate. 

Eligibility

An F-1 student is eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training if they meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Must be in valid F-1 status for one academic year (at least two semesters). A transfer student must have completed at least one semester at CSUF prior to the CPT authorization.
  2. Must maintain a full course of study in the program indicated on I-20
  3. Must be in good academic standing (not on academic, administrative, disciplinary, or graduate probation). 
  4. Must obtain approval from designated academic or faculty advisor(s) in College and/or Department. Please consult with your department or College for any additional internship requirements and restrictions.
  5. Must be enrolled in a credit-bearing course that is required for graduation.

Application Procedure for Internships

Application Procedure for Academic Internships
The Center for Internships & Community Engagement (CICE) administers the process of approving academic internships for credit. In order to be eligible for CPT you must be enrolled in the academic internship class for your discipline during the semester you will be conducting the internship. This is the mechanism through which you will receive course credit. CICE will provide specific information for each major’s class. 

Steps to Obtain CPT:

  1. Meet with your Academic Advisor regarding eligibility for internship needed for your graduation requirement.
  2. Find an internship position: Visit Titan Connection to search for an internship. Internship companies must be registered with CICE.
  3. After CICE approves your internship and you are enrolled in the internship course, obtain the CICE Academic Internship Placement form and your internship site's offer letter. You will need to upload these documents with your CPT Request.
  4. To submit a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request, log into the ISS Portal (Requests and Documents section). If the internship is a paid position and you do not have a social security number (SSN), submit a SSN Support Letter Request in the ISS Portal. You will receive an email from ISS once your CPT Request (and SSN Support Letter Request, if applicable) has been processed.

Other Notes

  • Once ISS processes your application, you will be issued an updated I-20, which will have CPT authorization noted on page 2 of the I-20. The name of the internship employer, location and authorization dates will appear on page 2.
  • Internships  cannot  be authorized on the same day or day before you start your internship. It is unlawful to begin the internship before CPT is granted. Please plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Curricular Practical Training?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 off-campus work authorization for paid and/or unpaid positions directly related to the student’s major field of study and is required of the curriculum.

Who is eligible to apply for CPT? 

F-1 students may be eligible if they have been in lawful, full-time status for one full academic year, are in good academic standing, and will need an internship in order to graduate.

Do I need a job offer to apply for CPT? 

Yes. CPT can only be authorized for a specific position with a company or organization, at a specific location, and during specific dates. The job offer letter must be presented on company letterhead, with a brief job description, employment start date, employment end date, hours per week, and supervisor details.

Do I need to be approved for CPT if my off-campus position is unpaid? 

Yes, you must be approved for CPT even if internship is unpaid. The only exception is volunteer work for a charitable organization where internship training is not taking place. Please see below:
Volunteering: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/14a-flsa-non-profits

Do I need to be enrolled in classes while on CPT? 

Yes. CPT is granted in conjunction with an internship course required for degree completion. F1 students are required to maintain status by enrolling in a full course of study while on CPT (except summer sessions).

Do I need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for CPT? 

No. The ISS office will process your CPT request and issue a CPT I-20 after you submit a completed CPT Request Form and upload appropriate supporting documents.

When should I submit the CPT Request Form? 

The latest date to submit the CPT Request Form to ISS is the Add/Drop deadline of the current semester. Note that you must be enrolled in the appropriate internship course and have received written approval from CSUF’s Center for Internships & Community Engagement (CICE) before the ISS office can process your CPT request.

How do I know that I am authorized for CPT? 

The CPT authorization is on page 2 of your new Form I-20. ISS will email you once CPT has been authorized and your I-20 is updated.

When may I begin the CPT experience? 

You may begin working after you receive your new I-20 and have reached the authorized CPT start date.

Can I request more than one period of CPT? 

If your degree program requires you to do an internship for multiple semesters, then you may submit multiple CPT requests. CPT is granted on a one-semester basis since enrollment in a corresponding internship course is required before CPT can be authorized. You will be repeating the same procedures with CICE and ISS for another required internship. 

Do I need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) while on CPT? 

If your internship is unpaid then you do not need to apply for an SSN.
If you have a paid internship then you will need to apply for an SSN if you do not already have one. Please see  “Acquiring a SSN”  on the ISS website for further instructions.