F-1 Curricular Practical Training
F-1 Curricular Practical Training
F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of authorization for off-campus experiential learning and academic activities that are directly related and integral to your major field of study. Examples of experiential learning include an internship, practicum, cooperative education, or fieldwork.
CPT experiences can be paid or unpaid but must be related to your major. It must be approved by an academic advisor or faculty member in your department and authorized by the International Center. CPT authorization must always be granted BEFORE starting or extending employment - the International Center cannot approve CPT for a start date that has already passed. Failure to obtain authorization before starting any CPT experience may be viewed as unauthorized employment, leading to a loss of F-1 status.
- Read here for information about virtual internships, including internships taking place remotely while outside the US
Eligibility Requirements for Curricular Practical Training
To qualify for CPT, you must be in valid F-1 student status. In addition:
- You must have completed at least one academic year (two semesters) of full-time academic study in the US before you can start your CPT training experience
- Time spent in non-academic (e.g., English language training programs) or primarily online or overseas programs does not count toward the academic year requirement
- A Leave of Absence of 5 months or more will reset the two semesters qualifying period
- An exception to the one-year waiting period is available to graduate students who are in programs that require a first-year internship, practicum, fieldwork, or related activity
- You must be in good academic standing and making normal academic progress toward your degree
- You must have a training or job offer that provides you with an experiential learning opportunity directly related to your major
CPT is a pre-completion option for training experiences in your major. Once you have completed your degree requirements (i.e., you have no further academic work you need to complete), you are no longer eligible for CPT.
Types of CPT
CPT may be authorized for the following types of experiential learning:
- Training that is required for all students in your program (e.g., an internship or practicum requirement)
- Training that is not required, but available for students in your major (e.g., an internship elective) - registration for internship or practicum credit is required
- Training that is integral to the completion of a department-approved thesis, capstone, or dissertation topic (students must have completed all coursework requirements except for the thesis, capstone, or dissertation)
CPT-Related Issues and Questions
If a student's degree program has a practicum or fieldwork requirement, then CPT is:
- Required if any part of the experience will lead to payment or compensation
- Strongly recommended even for unpaid experiences, to ensure that participation in the practicum / fieldwork is included in the student's immigration record as academically required and approved
CPT is usually done on a part-time (20 hours per week or less) basis during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time CPT (over 20 hours per week) is permitted during the summer vacation period.
Full-time CPT (over 20 hours per week) is generally not granted during the fall and spring semesters.
- Undergraduate students are restricted to only part-time CPT during the academic year. Students doing a school-approved Co-op can receive full-time CPT authorization but will not be enrolled in courses during that semester.
- Graduate students are eligible for full-time CPT during the academic year only if full-time internship or practicum experience is required for the degree; or for all-but-thesis or dissertation students for whom full-time CPT is needed to complete the thesis / dissertation. In other rare cases, graduate students may request approval from an academic dean to engage in full-time CPT.
F-1 students engaged in paid internships must have CPT or another form of employment authorization. However, even for unpaid internships, the International Center strongly recommends students to apply for CPT. By obtaining CPT authorization even for unpaid training or internship activities, a student:
- is able to demonstrate to US immigration authorities that the activities were reviewed and approved by the student's academic department and International Center, and certified as integral to their academic program and as appropriate academic activity
- is given the flexibility to accept compensation or payment or other forms of material benefits that would not otherwise be approvable or allowed without CPT authorization
- will have reassurance that any activities carried out that could be considered employment under US labor definitions (see below) were authorized
Unpaid Internships Defined. It is also important to realize that the US Department of Labor has set out several criteria that identify when an internship may be legitimately unpaid. Employers who fail to meet the criteria for unpaid internships may be expected to offer paid employment instead, and the interns may be expected to have appropriate authorization. Because an unpaid internship may actually be employment under Department of Labor guidelines, CPT authorization is strongly recommended for that purpose as well. The main criteria that determine whether an internship may be unpaid include the following factors:
- The internship, even though it includes actual operation on the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;
- The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;
- The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;
- The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;
- The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and
- The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship
If all of the criteria are satisfied then the internship may be considered a legitimate unpaid internship. However, in the event of any uncertainty, then obtaining authorization is recommended.
If you are planning to include an unpaid internship experience as a part of your employment history (i.e., on your resume or CV), then we strongly recommend obtaining a letter from your internship provider that verifies the dates and location of your internship, that your internship was unpaid, and a brief description of the duties and objectives associated with the internship. This information may be useful in the event that you are ever asked to document that the activities were appropriately structured as an unpaid internship.
Under current US federal government practice, CPT approval has an impact on your OPT only in the rare case if you do one full year (12 months or more) of full-time CPT. If this happens, you will lose your eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT or full-time CPT under 12 months should not have an effect on your OPT eligibility.
CPT is authorized on a term-by-term basis and cannot extend past the start of a new term. Any practical training experience that extends into a new term will require a new CPT application and authorization. Exception: graduate students who have a multi-term internship or practicum requirement, or who are approved for CPT for research activities that are deemed integral to an approved thesis or dissertation requirement, can be authorized for CPT that extends beyond one term. However, students in this situation are obligated to continue to register for internship or research credits and maintain full-time enrollment each term.
- You cannot begin or continue CPT unless you have a Form I-20 from the International Center with CPT approval with active dates
- Retroactive CPT authorizations cannot be issued, i.e., the International Center cannot approve CPT that has already started and/or completed
- If you start CPT without getting International Center approval first, you may be considered to be working without authorization
You can be authorized to engage in CPT in your final term as long as the following requirements are met:
- You must still be working toward your degree requirements in your final term
- Your CPT experience must either be required or optional training in your major (if the experience is optional, you must do the CPT for internship credit)
- CPT is limited to part-time (20 hours or less) if taking place during the fall or spring semesters
- For certain graduate programs, full-time CPT may be permitted
Some students who are considering CPT may want to think about pre-completion OPT instead. Like CPT, pre-completion OPT allows for work related to your major. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages, depending on each student's plans. See the table below. While pre-completion OPT requires preparation well in advance, it does require a job offer to apply and does not require registration for internship credit, which is a typical requirement for most CPT requests.
| Pre-Completion OPT | Curricular Practical Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Process | Requires application to USCIS which may take 3-6 months processing time | Approved by International Center once academic department approves the internship experience |
| Job Offer Requirement | Does not require job offer to apply | Requires internship offer |
| Internship Credit Registration | Not required | Registration for at least 1 internship credit is required if CPT is done for optional (non-required) internship experiences; mandatory internships needed for degree may or may not require internship credit |
| Impact on Post-Completion OPT | Used time is deducted from overall 12 months of OPT eligibility; e.g., 3 months of pre-completion OPT will leave 9 months of post-completion OPT eligibility | No impact on post-completion OPT unless student is authorized for 12 months or more of full-time (20+ hours per week) CPT |
All students should be aware of the possibility of job or internship scams. Scams may include getting offers from companies that seem but are, in fact, not real. Many job scams are designed to get you to pay a fee as a condition of getting the job or internship. If you have to pay a fee upfront, even if you are promised "reimbursement" at a later time, your internship is likely not legitimate. Read more about how to recognize job scams.
CPT Application Steps
To qualify for CPT, you must have a job offer from an internship provider. The internship site should provide a letter written on company letterhead that provides the following information:
- Name of the company or internship site
- Address where your training will take place (internship site address)
- Supervisor name and contact information
- Detailed description of internship or job duties
- Start and end dates of your internship
- Expected hours per week
- Salary information, if paid
- A statement from the employer declaring their support and cooperation to fulfill the curricular purposes of the employment/training
Determine if you need to register for an internship credit and complete school-specific procedures. Registration for internship credit is mandatory (except for programs that have a non-credit internship requirement).
Contact your program or department for curriculum related questions related to internships and/or practical experiences.
Requesting CPT
Access the online International Center Portal and choose the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request in the Request Center. Follow the instructions provided on the application. The International Center will review your request within 5 - 7 days. If there are any questions, we will contact you.
Request Deadline
The International Center will abide by the add period deadline for each program. CPT requests must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the start of the opportunity. Students needing to add an internship course beyond the program's established add period will need to discuss their eligibility to do so with their respective programs.
Once the International Center approves your request, you will be emailed a new I-20 that contains your Curricular Practical Training authorization (on page 2 of the new form). Sign the I-20 at the bottom of page 1. Also, review the I-20 to ensure that name of your CPT employer and the CPT dates are correct. Talk to your International Center advisor if you have any questions.
- Show your new I-20 to your CPT employer, especially if your CPT experience is paid, so that they have verification of your authorization to be employed with them.
- If you do not already have a Social Security Number, you can apply for one after you have received your updated I-20. To apply, follow our Social Security instructions.
School- Specific CPT Policies
1. Register for internship credit.
Fall and Spring: Register for internship credit in SIS. You may need permission from your academic advisor to enroll.
Summer: Complete Summer Course Registration Form. The Registrar’s Office will enroll you in the course in SIS. Do not enroll in the course directly in SIS.
CPT courses will be billed per credit at the applicable rate for each student's program. Undergraduate students who are currently receiving financial aid may be eligible for subsidized tuition. Make sure to answer the financial aid question on the summer course registration form. You will be notified if you qualify for the subsidy.
Internship courses for CPT can range from 1-3 credits. The International Center staff cannot advise on the number of credits earned for a course related to CPT; but for most departments, an internship course requires one credit. Please consult with your academic advisor and department or program regarding the number of credits required for your internship course.
*Graduate students applying for CPT to satisfy a degree requirement do not need to complete the Summer CPT Online Registration Form. Consult with your department or program for course information related to the degree requirement.
*Students enrolling in an FMS internship course for CPT should contact the FMS department. FMS is available in the summer for 2- or 4 SHUs. There is no 1 SHU option for FMS99.
For help understanding your Tufts bill, charges, and payment options, contact Tufts Student Services at 617.627.2000 or studentservices@tufts.edu.
2. Submit the Curricular Practical Training Request through the International Center Portal
Upload your offer letter and most recent I-94 record. Input your Academic Advisor’s name and email address as the Approver.
3. Wait for approval in the form of an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.
Print, sign, and show this I-20 to your employer to complete your I-9 verification.
1. Complete Professional Development Program (PDP) before applying.
2. Submit Curricular Practical Training request through the International Center Portal.
Submit request at least 7 business days before your requested start date. Upload your most recent I-94 record and job offer letter. Enter the requested information about your job. Input Joey Renzi and joey.renzi@tufts.edu as the Approver.
3. Submit this form to the Office of Professional Development.
4. Wait for approval in the form of an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.
Print, sign, and show this I-20 to your employer to complete your I-9 verification.
5. Submit final summary paper to the Office of Professional Development before the end of the semester.
Academic Requirements
- In order to meet the academic requirements to engage in CPT, Fletcher School students need to complete the Professional Development Program (PDP) prior to the date of the CPT application submission.
- Fletcher School students authorized to engage in CPT must submit a final summary paper about the CPT experience and learning outcomes to the Office of Professional Development each time they engage in CPT. Students who fail to submit the summary paper for the appropriate IR CPT course will get an NP (Non-Pass) grade and are ineligible to apply for CPT in the following semester.
Ineligibility to Engage in CPT in the Extended I-20 Period
- If you request a program (I-20) extension based on the Capstone/Course Extension, you are not eligible to engage in an off-campus internship or seek CPT authorization. Since CPT is an optional academic activity for Fletcher students except for the MATA (Master of Atlantic Affairs) degree students, CPT engagement needs to be completed during your initial I-20 duration as one of the academic courses to take. However, you may work on-campus as long as you are maintaining full-time status during your I-20 program dates.
Other Requirements
- All students must submit the CPT Request through the International Center Portal and submit this form for review by the Office of Professional Development and the Registrar.
- Internships, regardless of full-time or part-time status, must be longer than 5 weeks to be approved.
- CPT applications are due on the late registration deadline as determined by the Fletcher Academic Calendar each semester. Under special circumstances, an application may be approved prior to the last day to add courses in the second half module session deadline. Under no circumstances will a CPT application be approved after the last day to add courses in the second half module session.
- As Summer does not have a second half module session, six weeks prior to the first day of classes for the Fall semester will be considered the deadline for CPT applications in the Summer.
- Candidates must give at minimum seven business days’ notice between submitting their application to the International Center and the requested start date. There will be no exceptions, and any CPT application with a start date less than seven business days from the request date will be denied.
- CPT extensions requested after the current CPT authorization’s end date will not be approved.
1. Identify your internship or experiential learning CPT eligibility criteria
1a. Mandatory Internship or Experiential Learning- Obtain an internship contract
Friedman students using CPT to complete an off-campus mandatory internship or experiential learning opportunity must follow the program instructions to obtain the necessary approvals and confirm the minimum hour requirement for the opportunity. A mandatory internship or experiential learning opportunity must be accompanied by an Internship Contract with written approval from both your Academic Advisor and Internship Supervisor. For questions about the mandatory internship or experiential learning requirement, please contact the Ellie Block & Family Career Services Center.
**Once the experiential learning requirement has been met, students will need to earn credit to participate in additional off-campus training experiences.
1b. Optional Internship or Experiential Learning- enroll in a directed study course
Friedman students who wish to participate in an optional internship or experiential learning off-campus must speak with their academic advisor and the Registrar’s Office about enrolling in a for-credit Directed Study Course.
2. Submit the Curricular Practical Training Request through the International Center Portal
Upload your offer letter and most recent I-94 record. Enter your approver information:
2a. Input your Academic Advisor’s name and email address as the Approver of the mandatory internship or experiential learning or
2b. Input the directed study course Instructor's email address as the Approver of the optional for credit internship.
3. Wait for approval in the form of an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.
Print, sign, and show this I-20 to your employer to complete your I-9 verification.
1. Identify your internship or experiential learning CPT eligibility criteria
1a. Applied Practice Experience (APE)
Students conducting their APE with a non-Tufts organization or employer must request CPT to participate in any off-campus paid or unpaid opportunity. Students should have a signed contract approved by their academic advisor and preceptor which can serve as the job offer letter for the CPT application.
1b. Integrative Learning Experience (ILE)
Students conducting an ILE with a non-Tufts organization or employer may need to apply for CPT if the ILE requires the student to provide employment services to the organization. Conversely, if the ILE conducted off-campus is only for the purpose of collecting data, observing, or shadowing, CPT is not needed. In any case, please speak to your International Student Advisor to confirm if the opportunity requires CPT approval.
2. Submit the Curricular Practical Training Request through the International Center Portal
Upload your offer letter and most recent I-94 record. Enter your approver information:
A. Input the name and email address of the STEP course instructor as Approver of the APE CPT or
B. Input the name and email address of your academic advisor as Approver of the ILE CPT.
3. Wait for approval in the form of an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.
Print, sign, and show this I-20 to your employer to complete your I-9 verification.
Dental Externships
Dental students participating in off-campus externships for the purpose of completing required clinical rotations and selective credits must apply for CPT authorization before engaging in any paid or unpaid externship opportunity at a non-Tufts clinic.
1. Obtain externship offer or placement
2. Submit the Curricular Practical Training Request through the International Center Portal
Upload your offer letter and most recent I-94 record. Enter your Dental School's approver information.
3. Wait for approval in the form of an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.
Print, sign, and show this I-20 to your employer to complete your I-9 verification.
1. Obtain externship offer or placement
1a. DVM Externships
DVM students participating in off-campus externships for the purpose of completing required clinical rotations and selective credits must apply for CPT authorization before engaging in any paid or unpaid externship opportunity at a non-Tufts clinic.
1b.Graduate Students Externships
Students required to complete an externship to fulfill their Cummings Schools' degree requirements must apply for CPT if a paid or unpaid opportunity requires interning or providing employment or consulting services to a non-Tufts organization or employer. Students conducting an externship where only observation and shadowing is being conducted off-campus may not need to apply for CPT. In any case, please consult with your International Student Advisor to confirm if the opportunity requires CPT approval.
2. Submit the Curricular Practical Training Request through the International Center Portal
Upload your offer letter and most recent I-94 record. Enter your Cummings School Approver Information:
2a. DVM Students- enter the Cummings Registrar's email address as your approver. The Registrar will make sure that your selective credit is entered in SIS simultaneously with your CPT authorization request.
2b. Graduate students- enter the name and email address of your academic advisor as your Approver.
3. Wait for approval in the form of an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2.
Print, sign, and show this I-20 to your employer to complete your I-9 verification.
Students from programs not listed above should consult with their schools for CPT eligibility questions.