The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as an alternative study, internship, cooperative education, or other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by a sponsoring employer through a U.S. College or University.
CPT is only available for current F-1 students when it is part of the student's established curriculum within their program of study. CPT must be integral to the student's primary major program of study. It cannot be authorized for work related to a student's minor, certificate program, previous or future major.
CPT is not intended for general, ongoing work authorization, or as a bridge to employment after graduation. True volunteer work (i.e., at a food bank or animal shelter) does not require CPT. However, any internship, whether it is paid or unpaid, requires CPT authorization prior to participation.
If authorized, CPT is granted for specific dates, a specific employer, and a specific location. Any practical training or employment that begins prior to the authorized start date or occurs after the authorized end date is considered unauthorized employment and will result in the loss of your legal status inside the US. This include “volunteering” and participating in orientation, training, or welcome sessions with a prospective employer. ISS requires 10 business days to process a CPT request, so please plan accordingly.
All international students enrolled at Purdue University are required to comply with the mandatory health insurance policy, including students participating in full- or part-time Curricular Practical Training.
Source: [8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)]
1. What happens if I don't enroll in the course or research credit that is used to substantiate the curricular nature of my practical training (practicum, clinical, internship or co-op)?
Completion of the course or research credit during the semester you participate in the practical training experience is REQUIRED by law. Failure to complete the course or research credit during the semester you participate in the practical training experience is a violation of your student visa status and will result in a termination of your SEVIS record and lawful status in the United States.
2. What happens if I have problems registering for my course or research credit.
Please refer registration errors to your academic/faculty advisor or your graduate coordinator.
3. I just realized that I didn't register for (or complete) the course or research credit associated with my practical training experience. What are my options?
Contact ISS to learn more about options and next steps when a violation of status has occurred.
4. I began my practical training experience before I had written authorization from an ISS official, what should I do?
Cease all employment and contact ISS immediately. CPT cannot be authorized retroactively, therefore a violation of status has occurred. ISS will counsel you on options and next steps.
5. Why are there limits on the number of CPT experiences I can participate in?
The purpose for the F-1 visa is to allow potential students to pursue educational objectives in the United States. The Curricular Practical Training benefit was provided to allow students participating in academic programs that require practical, field, or clinical experiences to complete degree requirements. Elective practical training experiences that are built into academic programs and offered to all students may be utilized to gain experience in applying classroom principles to real world challenges from a curricular perspective, but they may not extend the time needed to complete the degree.
The need for Curricular Practical Training must be driven by each student's established curriculum; not the student's desire to be employed, or the employer's desire to employ the student. Student should consult with the academic department regarding how many optional or required internship experiences are established in the curriculum. Most only allow for two sessions of optional internships, but only the department would know if the established curriculum permits or requires more: ISS does not have that information.
6. Why can't I participate in CPT in my final semester?
CPT may not be used as a bridge to OPT, neither may it be used to "fill time" when students are not otherwise engaged in completing final degree requirements. There are rare occurrences when CPT is required in a student's final semester to complete degree requirements. These are the only programs for which CPT may be authorized in the student's final semester.
7. Can I use CPT after I graduate?
No, please see Post-Completion Optional Practical Training.
8. I plan to leave the US and conduct an overseas internship related to my degree. Do I need to report this internship to maintain my F-1 status?
If the internship is in the summer, you are not required to report it to ISS as your F-1 status is maintained as long as you were fulltime in spring and plan to be fulltime in the fall.
If the internship is in the fall or spring, you can maintain your F-1 status with fulltime registration by registering that semester for the course that requires an internship for at least 32 hours a week during that semester. Please submit the MyISS CPT eforms with information on the overseas internship: where it asks for a US state, please select "Indiana." You will obtain a new I-20 stating on page one that you are considered fulltime that semester while conducting a fulltime overseas internship.