As an F1 student, you have the option of working in the United States by engaging in practical training during your program. Practical training can provide valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you are learning in your program.
Requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- CPT must relate to your major and the experience must be part of your program of study.
- You must have completed a minimum of 1 academic year in your degree program at the University of La Verne.
- Your DSO will provide you with a new I-20 that shows that the DSO has approved you for this employment.
- You can work on CPT either full-time (21 or more hours) or part-time (20 hours or less).
- CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from your employer.
- If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will become ineligible for OPT, but part time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.
- Only 2 semesters of optional CPT are allowed and must total less than 12 months.
How to Apply for CPT
To apply for curricular practical training, you must submit gather the following items:
Step 1: CPT Request Form
Fill out CPT Request Form and have it approved by your 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: Pay for 1 unit of independent study with Student Accounts
Step 4: Submit documents using the CPT Submission Form
Fill out the CPT Submission Form where you can upload the CPT Request Form, Job Offer Letter, and receipt from Student Accounts.
Curricular practical training is not meant to be a convenient employment opportunity. If all eligibility requirements are met, an international student advisor will authorize CPT and update your I-20. You must be careful not to start nor end outside of the authorized employment dates on the I-20. Unauthorized employment is a violation of your F1 status. If you work off campus without authorized CPT paid/unpaid your I-20 will be terminated. Failing to meet the requirements of work authorization such as course enrollment or failing to maintain full-time status is also a violation of the F1 visa.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
If it’s a paid position, the student will need to request a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. To request a SSN, the student will need to submit the CPT I-20 (with approved CPT), and Job Offer Letter to the SSA office. For more information, click on International Students and Social Security Numbers.