What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off campus work authorization for employment (whether it is paid or unpaid), such as internship, practicum, or co-op, for F-1 international students to receive further training relevant to their degree programs prior to degree completion. It is designed to achieve an established academic objective and is directly related to your degree level and major. Students have to be registered for an internship course for the semester(s) they are approved under CPT and have the approved work at time of SEVIS approval.
Who is eligible for CPT?
F-1 students in good academic standing with Adams State University, in good legal status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CPT if its absence would make the attainment of a degree an impossibility and if the work associated with CPT is required for all students pursuing that degree, and who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis, in the same SEVIS ID, for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semester) at a SEVIS approved school.
Students may have an on-campus job and CPT authorization at the same time.
How do I apply for CPT?
- Speak with your academic advisor to ensure an internship or practicum is required for all students to complete the degree.
- Register for course in term for degree plan.
- Receive a job offer for CPT employment.
- See an Adams State PDSO or DSO to approve the CPT in SEVIS prior to the start of the semester once you have registered for the internship course.
- Bring an official job letter on company letterhead that includes:
A student cannot start working with their CPT employer until they have received the new I-20 from the PDSO or DSO reflecting the CPT work authorization.
Does CPT count against OPT?
Any time spent working for CPT does not affect the time that you are eligible for in OPT; however, if a student engages in 12 months or more of full time CPT, they are not eligible to apply for OPT. Periods of part-time CPT do not count towards the 12 month limit of full-time CPT.
