Frazar Memorial Library: International Student Services: CPT

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is a type of off-campus work authorization for students on F1 visa status. CPT allows students to participate in employment that is integral to their studies (usually tied to an internship class in their degree program). CPT should be a learning opportunity, like an internship, but it can be paid.

Note: Students should keep all CPT records, including the academic work related to the job and an explanation of how the work is integral to the degree program. Students should also keep all CPT I-20s; they are necessary when applying for OPT.

Eligibility Requirements

Complete at least one academic year as a full-time student in F1 status at a SEVIS-approved college or university.

Graduate students enrolled in a degree program which requires an immediate internship may be exempt from this rule.

Be enrolled in an internship course within your academic program which requires off-campus employment as an integral component to the course.

Obtain CPT authorization before beginning employment; authorization cannot be backdated.

Important: If you participate in a paid internship without CPT authorization, your SEVIS record is subject to termination, and students whose records are terminated for unauthorized employment are not eligible for reinstatement.

Does CPT Affect My OPT Eligibility?

Part-time CPT (less than 20 hours per week) does not affect your OPT eligibility.
Working full-time for 12 months or more on CPT (at the same degree level) forfeits your OPT eligibility. Full-time CPT employment is 20 or more hours per week.
If you use CPT several times during the same degree program, USCIS may ask for further review or documentation on future OPT, visa, or change-of-status applications.

How to Apply for CPT

For all programs other than nursing, please follow the steps below to apply for CPT. If you are a nursing major, please see the box at the bottom of the page for instructions specific to your program.

Step 1: Contact your academic department.

Contact your academic advisor or internship coordinator, and ask for their assistance in starting an internship for course credit.

The internship coordinator for the college of business is Chad Trosclair; the internship coordinator for the college of engineering is Dr. Vasan. For all other colleges, contact your academic advisor.

Please note that internship opportunities are not guaranteed; not all programs have an internship course available.

Research internships in which you would be interested. Your advisor / coordinator may have recommendations of good places to search, and they may be able to advise you on the best time to apply.

Step 2: Enroll in the internship course.

Most academic programs require you to be registered in an internship course to be approved for CPT. Your advisor / coordinator will provide information about any available internship courses and the steps you’ll take to enroll.

Once you have enrolled, ask your advisor / coordinator to complete this form and send it to internationaloffice@mcneese.edu at least two weeks before the start of your internship.

Step 3: Receive CPT authorization.

Once our office receives documentation about your course-based internship, we will process your CPT employment authorization in SEVIS.

Our office will print and sign a new I-20 with your CPT authorization included and will send a copy to you.

Once you receive the authorized I-20, you can begin your CPT internship.

Important: Do not begin working before receiving your authorized I-20.

CPT for Nursing Majors

For all programs other than nursing, see the box above. If you are a nursing major, please see the steps below to apply for nursing CPT:

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements.

For nursing majors, enrollment in an internship course is not required; instead, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Must possess a CNA license or have successfully passed NURS 310

Important: Do not request CPT until you have passed NURS 310.

Must be at least a sophomore

Must have been in active F1 status for at least one academic year

Step 2: Contact your academic department.

Your advisor or department coordinator can provide information about how to find and apply for internship opportunities.

Once you have secured an internship, have your employer complete the top portion of this form: Nursing CPT Authorization Form.

Work with Dr. Rhonda Johnson to complete the bottom portion of the form.

Once the form is complete, email it to internationaloffice@mcneese.edu

Step 3: Receive CPT authorization.

Once our office receives documentation about your internship, we will process your CPT employment authorization in SEVIS.

Our office will print and sign a new I-20 with your CPT authorization included and will send a copy to you.

Once you receive the authorized I-20, you can begin your CPT internship.

Important: Do not begin working before receiving your authorized I-20.