Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Internship

Instructions for F-1 visa students applying for CPT

Early in your program, meet with your academic advisor or chair to talk about your interest in CPT, ensuring your internship opportunities aligns with specific program goals.

1. Initial Meeting: Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor or department chair to discuss your proposed internship. Bring a copy of the job description.
2. Academic Advisor’s Approval: Your advisor or department chair will approve or deny the proposed job.
3. Job Offer Requirements: If approved, secure the job offer. The offer must be on the company’s letterhead and include:
   • Dates of the internship
   • Supervisor's name and contact information
   • Number of hours per week
   • Brief description of intern’s duties
   • Work location (if different from the company's address)
   • Indicate if the job is remote, in-person, or hybrid
4. Required Forms: Complete the following forms:
   • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application Form (PDF)
   • Internship Contractual Agreement (PDF)
   • Special Studies Form (PDF)
5. Form Submission: Submit the completed forms and job offer letter to your academic advisor/department chair. Your academic advisor will forward the completed forms to the Office of International Education (OIE), and to the Deans for approval and signatures.
6. Registration: After approvals, the Forms will be sent to the Registrar’s Office, which will register your internship course.
7. Payment: Pay for the internship (CPT) course and send proof of registration and payment to OIE.
8. CPT Form Submission: Return the signed CPT Form and a copy of the job offer letter to OIE.
9. SEVIS Authorization: The P/DSO at OIE will authorize CPT in SEVIS and issue the CPT I-20.
10. Provide I-20 to Employer: Bring the CPT-authorized I-20 to your employer. Keep the original I-20.
11. Adherence to Dates: Follow the start and end dates of the CPT as stipulated in your I-20.
12. Additional Form for Final Semester students: Complete additional form at the OIE office, if doing a remote, hybrid, or in-person CPT in your last semester.

Important: Do not start your job until your P/DSO has authorized your CPT in SEVIS and issued a CPT-endorsed I-20.