As an F1 student, there is the opportunity to gain practical work experience in the United States through practical training, which can enhance and complement the skills being developed in the academic program.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of off-campus work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid or unpaid work experience that is an integral part of the established curriculum or directly related to their major area of study. This can include paid or unpaid internships, work, or other required practicums.
For an experience to be considered an integral part of the curriculum, it must either be a required component of the program or, if not mandatory, the student must earn academic credit for the training. The student must also be enrolled in a course during the period of employment, and employment dates must align with the academic semester or term. If the work experience is sought only for its professional or personal benefits rather than as part of the curriculum, it does not qualify for CPT.
Requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- CPT must be directly related to a student’s major area of study and be an integral part of the school’s established curriculum.
- CPT authorization must be obtained before beginning any work.
- A student must have completed at minimum of one academic year in their degree program at the University of La Verne.
- Students can work on CPT either part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (21 or more hours per week).
- Full-time CPT is only granted when it is a requirement of the student’s program or during the summer or January sessions.
- If a student has 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT.
- CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer.
- The DSO will issue a new I-20 indicating approval for the employment.
How to Apply for CPT
To apply for curricular practical training, the student must submit the following items:
Step 1: CPT Request Form
A CPT Request Form must be completed and approved by the student’s Program Chair.
Step 2: Obtain a Job Offer Letter from Employer indicating the following:
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- Job/Internship title
- Dates of employment
- Number of work hours per week (part time/full time)
- Location of employment/internship
- Description of work
Step 3: Register for internship or independent study course.
Step 4: Submit documents using the CPT Submission Form
Students must complete the CPT Submission Form where they can upload the CPT Request Form, Job Offer Letter, and receipt from Student Accounts.
Curricular practical training (CPT) is not meant to be a convenient employment opportunity. If all eligibility requirements are met, an international student advisor will authorize CPT and update the I-20. It is important to ensure that work begins and ends within the authorized employment dates on the I-20. Working outside these dates without authorization constitutes a violation of F-1 status. Unauthorized off-campus employment, whether paid or unpaid, will result in the termination of the I-20. Additionally, failing to meet work authorization requirements, such as course enrollment or failing to maintain full-time status, is also a violation of F1 visa regulations. section.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
If the position is paid, the student will need to request a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. For more information, refer to the International Students and Social Security Numbers section.