Understanding CPT and How It Works

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary off-campus employment for practical training directly related to an F-1 student's major. CPT contributes to a student's program of study (e.g., internship credit) while a student is earning their degree.

Key Aspects

There are two kinds of CPT:

  • Full-time: 21+ hours/week
    • Only 11 months and 29 days of full-time CPT is allowed if a student plans to apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Part-time: 20 hours/week or fewer

Students apply to the Center for International Studies (CIS) for CPT authorization once they have an offer letter from their employer and approval from their academic advisor.

Employment can begin when the student receives an updated I-20 from CIS indicating CPT authorization (reflected on page 2 of the I-20).

Eligibility

  • Currently in valid F-1 student status
  • Lawfully enrolled at a DHS-approved school (e.g., St. Cloud State University) for at least one full academic year
    • Exceptions provided for graduate students whose program immediately requires CPT (Day 1 CPT).
  • During the fall/spring semester, the student must be enrolled in a full course of study while on CPT.
    • Exceptions:
      • Students on full-time CPT can study part-time if approved for a Full-Time Equivalency (FTE), or for those in their final semester, a Reduced Course Load (RCL).
      • Students on part-time CPT can study part-time in their final semester if approved for an RCL.
  • If a student is participating in CPT during their final semester, they should be enrolled in at least one course required for degree completion.

Considerations before Applying

  • Students should speak with their academic advisor prior to beginning the CPT request process with CIS to determine how the internship/employment relates to their program, required course registration, and any departmental requirements.
    • Note: Some departments have their own requirements that must be completed before requesting CPT from CIS.
  • CIS can only authorize CPT after the student registers for the academic credit hours tied to their CPT.
  • Students must be authorized for CPT by CIS before beginning employment.
  • CPT authorization comes in the form of an updated I-20.
  • Employment must be directly related to the student's major.
  • CPT employment can be paid or unpaid.
  • CPT is semester-based. A request must be submitted for each semester a student wishes to participate in CPT.
    • CPT Authorization Dates:
      • The earliest start date is the day after the last day of courses for the previous semester.
      • The latest end date is the last day of courses for the semester in which CPT is requested.
      • See the St. Cloud State University Academic Calendar.

Steps for Applying

  1. Receive employment offer for an off-campus position directly related to your major. Obtain an offer letter on company letterhead including:
    • Name, address, and contact information of employer/site supervisor
      • If the work site is not at the employer address, include the complete work site address or indicate remote work.
    • Description of work to be performed
    • Start and end dates of employment
    • Hours per week
  2. Meet with your academic advisor to register for the course related to CPT.
  3. Complete the online CPT Request Form
    • You may also access the form at forms.stcloudstate.edu and sign in with your Office365 student account.
    • Read the step-by-step user guide (PDF).
    • This form allows you to request:
      • CPT
      • CPT & Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) for full-time CPT with a part-time course load
      • CPT & Reduced Course Load (RCL) for completion of study with a part-time course load
    • If you require FTE or RCL authorization for other qualifying reasons, complete the forms on the provided webpages and submit to CIS.
  4. Once submitted, the review process begins. You will receive email updates at each stage from:
    • Academic advisor
    • ISSS Review
    • International Student Advisor (DSO) Final Review
  5. If approved, the international student advisor (DSO) will authorize CPT in SEVIS and issue an updated I-20 with CPT authorization (page 2). Provide this I-20 to your employer as proof.

For general assistance, contact international@stcloudstate.edu or call 320-308-4287.

For questions after submission, contact International Student & Scholar Services at isss@stcloudstate.edu.

Things to Know after CPT Authorization

  • Students can engage in CPT only for the approved employer, location, and time period (reflected on page 2 of the I-20).
  • Notify CIS immediately of any changes to CPT employment (location, employer, etc.).
    • If your employment ends early, provide CIS with a letter from the employer confirming the end date. Email to isss@stcloudstate.edu.
  • If changing CPT employer, submit a new CPT Request Form following the "Steps for Applying."
  • CPT authorizations are semester-based. A new authorization is required each semester.
  • If a student exceeds 364 days of full-time CPT, they lose OPT eligibility.

Tips for Finding CPT Employers

  • Talk to your academic advisor and other faculty members.
  • Network with other students in your program.
  • Attend professional conferences.
  • Connect with the St. Cloud State University Career Center for help with resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job opportunities.

Application Information

  • Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the start date of the student's internship.
  • Due to the high volume of applications, processing times may be more than seven business days.
  • Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
  • Processing does not begin until a complete application is submitted.