What type of work experience qualifies as CPT?
You may apply for curricular practical training if the work experience is an integral part of the degree program. This includes any type of required internship or practicum, or any required work for which course credit is received. The internship must be directly related to your academic program.
Am I eligible to apply?
In order to apply, you must have completed one academic year as a full-time student. Students must also be in good standing with immigration when applying for CPT and while working if approved for CPT.
How much CPT can I use?
Students are not limited to the amount of curricular practical training they may utilize; however, students who have engaged in one year or more of full-time curricular practical training are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part-time curricular practical training is not counted against OPT eligibility. Generally, CPT is limited to 20 hours per-week during the academic year.
How Do I apply?
- Obtain an internship offer letter from your prospective employer on company letterhead specifying: your job title and responsibilities, whether the internship is full-time or part-time and the dates of employment.
- Enroll in the appropriate course—CPT is authorized for the period in which you are registered for the course.
- Submit the CPT Certification Form, your internship offer letter and proof of class registration at the front desk of the International Education Center. Upon receipt of a completed CPT application, the IEC will review all documentation. This can take up to one week. Therefore, do not plan to begin employment immediately after submitting a completed application. If approved, an email will be sent to your UCR webmail address. You may then pick up your new I-20 at the front desk of the IEC. The CPT authorization will be noted on page 3 of your new I-20 Form.