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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)


  • Overview

    Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work-authorization used for F-1 students to complete off-campus training experiences. The primary purpose of CPT is to gain practical experience in the student's field of study. The training experience must be an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to the student's major area of study.

    Since CPT is curricular in nature, the student must also enroll for a course that requires an off-campus training experience. CPT is not possible for all F-1 students because it is dependent on the academic requirements of a specific academic program.

    Please note that “employment” is defined as any type of service for which a benefit, including academic credit, is received. Therefore, even if the student will not be paid for the internship, they should obtain CPT authorization.

    Engagement in off-campus paid or unpaid activities, such as internships, practicums, field work, rotations, or volunteer opportunities, require prior authorization. This applies even if the activity is a mandatory part of your program's curriculum.

    Eligibility Requirements

    To be eligible for CPT authorization you must meet the following requirements:

    1. You are currently in F-1 status and maintaining status.
    2. You have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters).
      • Students who changed degree levels at Stony Brook or transferred from another U.S. college/university may be eligible for CPT based on time spent in previous programs of study. Please contact VIS to determine eligibility.
      • An exception to this requirement is given to graduate students whose academic program requires immediate participation in an off-campus internship or field placement.
    3. You have an internship/training experience offer that is directly related to your field of study and integral to your curriculum.
    4. You are registered for a course that requires the practical training experience. This course must be listed in the course catalog, specifically designed for a practical training experience, and be a minimum of one credit.
    5. If you have completed all required course work except thesis or dissertation, your CPT must contribute data to your thesis or dissertation.

    Enrollment Requirements

    To qualify for CPT, you must be enrolled in a course that is listed in the course catalog, specifically designed for a practical training experience, and be a minimum of one credit. Enrollment is required during each semester a CPT is requested (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).

    The course may be mandatory for all students in the degree program or may be optional, but must be within your program of study and MUST apply toward completion of your degree requirements.

    • If applying for Fall or Spring CPT, you must be enrolled full-time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load for Final Semester of Study before VIS can approve your CPT request.
    • If applying for Summer or Winter CPT and it is your final semester, you must be enrolled full-time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load for Final Semester of Study before VIS can approve your CPT request. If Summer or Winter are not your final semester, then full-time enrollment is not required.

    Full-time vs. Part-Time Authorization

    Full-Time CPT (more than 20 hours of work per week) is not possible during a student's final semester of study unless required for degree completion. Most CPT authorizations are limited to 20 hours per week (part-time).

    Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) is possible only if:

    • The CPT is requested for the summer or winter term (if it is not your final semester), OR
    • The degree program requires an internship involving more than 20 hours of work per week, OR
    • If you have completed all course requirements for your degree (excluding thesis or equivalent), and the activity will contribute data for your dissertation/thesis.

    An accumulation of 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT for that degree level.

    Application Process

    To apply for CPT, follow the directions below. We recommend submitting your application at least 5-7 business days before your expected employment start date.

    If you are submitting a last minute request, it is your responsibility to notify your department AND VIS that you have submitted this request, and ask if expedited processing is possible.

    Important: Submission of this request in accessVIS does NOT authorize you to begin working. You must not begin working (with or without pay) until you have received authorization from VIS in the form of an updated Form I-20.

    Step 1: Attend a Group Advising & Information Session
    Step 2: Register for an Approved Internship Course
    Step 3: Submit the Curricular Practical Training request in accessVIS
    Step 4: Routed to Major Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator/ Director for review.
    Step 5: VIS Review & Processing

    Any work outside of your approved CPT dates is unauthorized employment. The internship/training experience cannot begin until the CPT I-20 is issued and the start date has passed. Retroactive authorizations will not be granted.

    REMOTE INTERNSHIPS & ACTIVITIES

    Remote work and internships are possible under CPT, but prior authorization is required for the following paid or unpaid activities listed below:

    • Remote work/activity while inside the U.S. for an U.S. employer.
    • Remote work/activity while abroad for a U.S. based employer, or U.S. branch of an employer.
    • Remote work/activity while inside the U.S. for a foreign based employer.

    It is important to note that CPT authorization is intended to facilitate off-campus opportunities that resemble classroom instruction, albeit in a more practical context. A key characteristic of such an experience is a supervisory relationship, consisting of regular assignment and evaluation of deliverables. Practical Training also implies meaningful immersion in a professional environment.

    Students who request CPT for remote positions should keep detailed documentation establishing:

    • the existence of a supervisory relationship throughout their period of authorization, and
    • how they achieved professional immersion despite working remotely.

    Internship with A Foreign Employer

    For international students conducting internships outside the U.S. with a foreign company or foreign branch of a U.S. company, U.S. work authorization (CPT or OPT) is not required. However, VIS recommends that your employment offer letter and any additional communication from your employer should clearly state that you will be working from outside the U.S. It's important to retain this information for your immigration records. In case of inquiries about your internship, you can explain the arrangement and provide supporting documentation.

    If your internship involves working or training with the foreign company while you are physically in the U.S. at any point, see the section on 'Remote Internships & Activities' as valid U.S. work authorization will be required.

    Important Considerations

    • When authorized for CPT, you are permitted to work only from the specified beginning date through the specified ending date. You must not continue employment beyond the date authorized unless you apply and are granted an extension of your permission to work from VIS.
    • CPT cannot be authorized after course requirements, thesis/project or dissertation are completed.
    • Once you apply for Post-Completion OPT, you are no longer eligible for CPT. Remember, CPT must be an “integral part of an established curriculum”. You are not eligible for CPT if you have completed all degree requirements.
    • An accumulation of 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT for that degree level.

     

  • Group Advising & Information Sessions


    CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Group Advising & Information Sessions

    For those aiming to participate in off-campus paid or unpaid activities including internships, practicums, field work, rotations, and volunteer opportunities, this workshop is invaluable. During this session, advisors will provide an overview of Curricular Practical Training and Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students. Students will also have a chance to ask questions following the information session to ensure they have the knowledge they need to apply for either CPT or Pre-Completion OPT.

    fall 2024 Sessions

    Date Time Location
    Friday, August 23rd 3:00pm - 4:00pm Zoom - Register here
    Monday, October 21st 12:30pm-1:30pm Frey 100
    Friday, October 25th 3:00pm - 4:00pm Zoom - Register here
  • FAQs


    Frequently Asked Questions

    I have just been offered an internship opportunity. Can I begin working right away?
    My degree program does not require an internship. Does this mean I cannot participate in an off-campus internship?
    Can I use my current CPT authorization for another internship since it has not yet expired?
    Can I do full-time CPT and still be eligible for the full 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
    What should I do if I quit my training before the original anticipated CPT authorization end date?
    Do I need to submit proof of enrollment for the past academic year?
    I work at the library for five hours a week and have been offered an internship off-campus. Am I eligible to apply for CPT?
    Do I need to apply for CPT for an unpaid internship?
    May I volunteer for an off-campus organization without CPT authorization?
    How do I know that I am authorized for CPT? When may I begin work?
    Do I have to take classes while on CPT?
    Is there a minimum credit requirement for the independent study and/ or internship course?
    I only need 1 credit of an internship course to graduate, but the course is only offered online, is this allowed?
    I have been enrolled as a full-time student for the past two years but in H-4 status and just recently changed to F-1 student status. Am I eligible to apply for CPT?
    Can I maintain my CPT eligibility if I leave the United States and continue my studies from my home country?
    Do I need CPT work authorization if my internship is entirely abroad/outside the U.S.?