Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an opportunity for students on F-1 visas to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study while still enrolled in their academic program. This practical training must be an integral part of the curriculum and is typically undertaken as part of an internship, cooperative education program, or other types of work experience required by the academic program.
The information provided here will explain the federal regulations and Viterbo policies relevant to CPT to ensure compliance with federal regulations and support student experiential learning.
Curricular Practical Training: The Basics
CPT is a type of work authorization for F-1 students allowing employment that is integral to the established curriculum. Must be for academic credit or required for degree completion.
These types of experiences require CPT authorization for F-1 students:
- A paid or unpaid internship that takes place on or off campus
- A Cooperative (co-op) education experience
- Participation in a Practicum
Students are eligible for CPT when they meet the following criteria:
- Must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (exceptions for graduate programs that require immediate participation).
- Must be maintaining F-1 status.
- Must have an internship/practicum that is directly related to the major field of study.
- Must register for and complete the required course for CPT.
- Must receive DSO authorization before beginning employment.
Important: All F-1 students must be authorized for CPT for all internships regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid. Working without a CPT-endorsed I-20 is a violation of your legal status and could forfeit your ability to remain in the U.S. and bar you from further re-entry into the U.S. |
Curricular Practical Training: Authorization Process
To receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, students must complete these steps:
- Eligibility Check: Ensure you're eligible for CPT. Generally, you must have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year (except for certain graduate programs requiring immediate CPT).
- Find a Job: Secure a job or internship offer directly related to your field of study. This job should be a part of your academic program, providing practical training.
- Begin Process to Register for Academic Credit:
- Undergraduate students: contact acd@viterbo.edu to report that you’ve found a job or internship and want to register for academic credit.
- Graduate students: contact your academic advisor to report that you’ve found a job or internship and want to register for academic credit.
- Consult with Designated School Official (DSO): Schedule a meeting with your DSO to discuss your intention to apply for CPT.
- Complete Application Form: Complete the CPT application form in Etrieve. You must include details like the job description, employer information, and proposed start and end dates of employment. You must attach a job offer letter from your employer with the application form.
- Receive Authorization: After submitting your CPT application, schedule an appointment with your DSO in Starfish to pick up your new Form I-20 with CPT authorization noted on it.
- Maintain Status: Once authorized, ensure you adhere to the terms and conditions of your CPT authorization, including maintaining full-time enrollment and following any restrictions on work hours.
- Report Changes: Keep your DSO informed of any changes to your employment, such as job title, employer, or work location, as these may require updates to your CPT authorization.
Curricular Practical Training: Employment Conditions
- Dates of Employment: Must match I-20 authorization.
- Hours per Week:
- Part-time: ≤20 hours/week during classes.
- Full-time: >20 hours/week during official breaks.
- Employer Limitations: Must work only for the employer listed on the I-20.
- Compensation: Paid or unpaid is allowed, but all must be authorized.
- Reporting Changes: Any change in employer, duties, or dates requires new CPT authorization. Notify your DSO immediately about any changes.
Viterbo University Designated School Officials
Melissa Giefer
International and ESL Program Coordinator | Designated School Official
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Viterbo University
Office: Nursing Center Room 420
Office phone: 608-796-3197
Make an appointment here.
Kenneth Felts
Director | International Admissions | Primary Designated School Official
Viterbo University
Office: Reinhart Center Room 145
Office Phone: 608-796-3171
Email krfelts@viterbo.edu for appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as you receive CPT authorization, you can work up to 20 hours per week at your on-campus job and complete up to 20 hours per week at your internship location. During breaks and school closures, you can work up to 20 hours a week at your on-campus job and over 20 hours per week at your internship location. There is no upper limit on full-time internship hours during breaks and school closures, but you must have the corresponding CPT authorization.
Students need a Social Security Number (SSN) to engage in paid Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in the U.S. When students are paid for CPT, they are considered employees, and thus, they usually need an SSN for tax and employment purposes.
If you don't have an SSN yet, you can apply for one after securing a job offer for CPT. See the process for applying for a Social Security Number here.