FOR F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY
Curricular Practical Training
(CPT)
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What is Curricular Practical Training?
Curricular Practical Training is work authorization for employment that is either required by your curriculum, required for
a credit-bearing course or required for your degree. The advisors at the Office of International Admissions authorize it.
2.
What are the eligibility criteria for Curricular Practical Training?
In addition to getting credit in a course for the work, you have to have been enrolled in your program for a full
academic
year and have maintained valid immigration status before you can apply for CPT. Graduate students whose
degree
curriculum requires immediate participation in an off-campus work experience may be able to work before the
academic
year is completed IF this requirement is CLEARLY stated in the published program description.
3.
Do I have to be registered while on Curricular Practical Training?
You do not have to be registered while on CPT; however, if you are registered as a full-time student (both grad or
undergrad) or registered in absentia (grad only) you can only work part-time INCLUDING any time you already
are
working as a TA or RA. Part-time work is 19.5 hours or less per week.
4.
Does Curricular Practical Training impact on the amount of allowed Optional Practical
T
raining?
If a student qualifies for Curricular Practical Training, s/he may use up to eleven months of full-
time
Curricular Practical Training without it affecting Optional Practical Training. However, if a
student
uses a total of 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training, it cancels out all
Optional
Practical Training time. Part-time CPT does not count towards this limit.
5.
What is considered part-time training?
Employment for 19.5 hours or less per week, while you are enrolled for classes, is considered part-time curricular practical
training. The employment authorization written on the back of your I-20 copy will specify permission to engage in part-time
training and you must limit your work to no more than 19.5 hours per week. You must be simultaneously enrolled as a
full-time student in order to maintain lawful F-1 status.
6.
What is considered full-time training?
Employment for more than 20 hours or more per week is considered full-time curricular practical training,
regardless of
whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time for classes. The employment authorization
on your I-20 copy will specify
permission to participate in full-time training. There is no limitation upon the length of time, you may participate in full-time
curricular practical training, however, if you participate in twelve months or more of curricular practical training you will not
be eligible for post-completion practical
training.
7.
Do I have to pay U.S. taxes on my salary?
In general F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for five years or less are exempt from social security taxes (also
known
as F.I.C.A. tax). You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer because many employers are
not
familiar with this provision of the tax laws. Students in F-1 status are subject to all other taxes that may apply,
including
federal, state and local. Seek assistance from a CPA if you have any questions regarding taxes.
8.
What proof of employment authorization can I give my employer?
Your I-20 form authorized for curricular practical training is the document which indicated employment authorization.
You should bring your I-20 form, passport, and I-94 card to your employer.
These documents will allow your employer to
complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form
I-9. All employers are required to complete an I-9 form for every
employee.
