F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Information Form
Definition of CPT
“An F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program that is
an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative
work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is
offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” (8CFR 214.2.(F)(10)(I))
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be available to F-1 students in the form of off-campus employment or
training related to the student’s program of study. Regulations state that a student may participate in CPT that
is “an integral part of an established curriculum” and “directly related to the student’s major area of study.”
CPT allows you to participate in an internship (paid or unpaid), practicum or cooperative education program.
There are two types of CPT:
1. Required – Part of the student’s program of study. Program requires employment in the field of study to
graduate and register for a practicum course;
2. Optional – An optional part of the program of study. The student must register for a cooperative education
course
CPT may not be used for off-campus employment opportunities that are not related to your program of study.
Eligibility
You are only eligible for CPT if you fit all of the following criteria:
• In Active F-1 status for at least one academic year (i.e. 2 semesters) and in good academic standing.
• Off-campus employment is an integral part of your curriculum.
• You are currently still in the process of completing your certificate or degree (i.e. you have not yet
graduated or transferred).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
You are not allowed to work until you have a CPT-endorsed Form I-20 from the International Education
Program at CSM.
You are eligible to work only during the dates authorized by the International Education Program and
indicated on page 2 of your Form I-20.
You are eligible to work only for the employer indicated on page 2 of your Form I-20.
You may only work at the location on your job offer letter.
If you wish to apply for another period of CPT you must apply again following the same procedures.
If you want to change your employer, you must apply for CPT again, following the same procedures.
You must maintain your full-time enrollment at College of San Mateo while engaged in CPT. If you drop
below 12 semester units, your CPT will be terminated immediately and you will no longer be able to
work.