Are you an F-1 student planning to do an internship this summer? Read on to learn about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for paid and unpaid internships.
CPT for Summer Internships: What is CPT?
CPT is a benefit of F-1 immigration status that allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience related to their major field of study. CPT is curricular in nature. This means it is tied to the student’s academic program, usually by way of enrollment in a course that blends the work experience with academic learning.
Am I eligible for CPT?
Students in F-1 status who have been enrolled full-time for at least two long semesters without a break in studies are generally eligible for CPT. For more detailed information on eligibility, please visit our CPT page.
How do I apply for CPT?
- Talk to your academic advisor to determine how the internship can be tied to your academic program. Usually, this means determining which course to enroll in.
- Obtain a completed Employment Verification Form from your employer.
- Submit your CPT request through myIO at least three weeks prior to your internship start date.
- Obtain your CPT I-20 from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). It will be emailed to you. Do not begin work until you have received this updated I-20 that includes your CPT employer’s information and your authorized start and end dates on Page 2.
For more detailed information about all the application steps, please be sure to review our CPT page.
Still have questions about CPT?
If you still have questions after reviewing our CPT page, attend our Ask An Advisor: Curricular Practical Training session Tuesday, March 21. An advisor will be available to answer your CPT questions.
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