Curricular Practical Training

If you wish to accept employment off-campus, you should pursue Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a temporary internship or practicum for F-1 students to gain practical experience, training, or internship in their field of study. CPT is defined as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” CPT is available prior to the completion of your degree program. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program.

Types of CPT:

There are two types of CPT, Required and Elective:

Required CPT: Your academic program requires all students to complete a certain number of internship or practicum hours working in your field of study to obtain your degree. 

Elective CPT: Elective CPT is work experience directly related to your field of study that is not required to obtain your degree. You must register for an internship-type course. The course requires you to be employed to fulfill the course requirements AND the credits for that course are counted towards your overall degree requirements. It cannot be "extra" credits that you do not need to obtain your degree. The credits can fulfill a core course requirement, an elective requirement, or count towards the overall number of credits you need to graduate. Failure to register and complete the CPT course will result in your loss of F-1 status. 

  • CPT may be paid or unpaid.
  • CPT is requested and authorized each term. 
  • Undergraduate students must have declared a major. 
  • Students must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and spring terms during CPT, unless the student has an approved Reduced Course Load. 
  • If you wish to engage in CPT during Fall, Spring, or Summer semester, you must be registered for the CPT course (if applicable) during that term.
  • CPT cannot be granted if the employment is optional. Even though the employment may be a good opportunity and provide valuable work experience, if it does not fulfill a degree requirement, it does not qualify for CPT and you must apply for OPT instead.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time CPT

Part-time CPT: Employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered part-time. You must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during fall and winter terms.

Full-time CPT: Employment for more than 20 hours per week is full-time. Be aware that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

CPT Eligibility:

  • CPT can be authorized if it is required by the major or you will be receiving academic credit.
  • Undergraduates: Must be enrolled in full-time study for at least one academic year.
  • Graduates: Can participate in CPT in the first year if it is required by the degree program. 
  • Student must be in legal F-1 status.
  • Student must have a job offer.
  • Apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

    Step 1: You must request a formal offer of employment prior to requesting CPT.  Obtain a letter from the employer on company letterhead with the following information:

    • Student's job title
    • Student's job responsibilities
    • Start and End dates of the employment period - month, date, and year
    • Number of hours per week the student will work
    • Name and contact information (phone number and email) for the direct supervisor
    • Employer Identification Number (required to apply for a Social Security Number)

    Step 2: Complete the Curricular Practical Training Request Form and email the employment letter and the Curricular Practical Training Request Form to international@kutztown.edu.

    • Part 1 and Part 2 of the form should be completed by the student. 
    • Part 3 should be completed and signed by an Academic Advisor or Department Chair. 
    • Requests for CPT must be made at least 10 business days before you plan to begin the internship or practicum.

    Step 3: The International Office will issue you a new I-20 authorized for CPT. You will receive an email notification when this is ready.