What Is CPT? F-1 Curricular Practical Training Rules

Is CPT the same as an internship?

Not exactly. CPT is the work permission. The internship, co-op or practicum is the training it covers.

Study in the States describes CPT as alternative work/study, internships, cooperative education or another required practicum, offered through an agreement between the employer and your school.

Who can get CPT

• You are an F-1 student at an SEVP-certified college or university, not in an English language program.
• You have been enrolled full-time for one academic year. Graduate programs that require earlier training are an exception.
• You have a training offer. CPT needs a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer.
• The training is an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to your major.
• The training happens before your program end date.

How to apply

There is no USCIS form or fee. Your school may have its own deadlines and course registration rules.

1. Get the offer and confirm with your academic department that the training meets a program requirement.
2. Submit your school's CPT request with the employer letter, dates, hours and work address.
3. Your DSO enters CPT in SEVIS and signs a new I-20 listing the employer and dates.
4. Start work only on or after the CPT start date on your I-20, and stop by the end date.
5. For a new employer or new dates, get a new authorization.

Hours: part-time vs full-time

SEVIS treats 20 hours a week or less as part-time and more than 20 as full-time. Your DSO sets which one you get under school policy.

While school is in session, you must still keep a full course of study. Many schools limit term-time CPT to part-time, but the limit depends on your school and program.

Does CPT use up OPT?

Part-time CPT does not affect OPT. Twelve months or more of full-time CPT ends your OPT eligibility, which also removes the STEM OPT path. See CPT vs OPT.

The August 2026 SEVP guidance

SEVP sent schools broadcast messages on August 12 and August 24, 2026. Boston University says they define integral more strictly: CPT must be essential to degree completion for all program participants, and should not be authorized only for employment.

Some schools paused certain CPT approvals. On October 5, 2026, university groups including NAFSA and AAU sued in federal court in Massachusetts. Carnegie Mellon reports a hearing set for November 6, 2026. As of October 21, the guidance has not been blocked.

Day 1 CPT is covered in Day 1 CPT risks and our Day 1 CPT checklist.

If you worked without CPT

Working off campus without authorization is a serious F-1 status violation. Stop working and talk to your DSO and an immigration attorney before you do anything else.

For employers that hire students and later sponsor, see OPT employers and H1B sponsors.

This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with your DSO or an immigration attorney.

Questions

Sources

• Study in the States: F-1 Curricular Practical Training (SEVIS Help Hub)
• Study in the States: Learn About the Types of Practical Training for F-1 Students
• ICE SEVP: Practical Training
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part F, Chapter 5: Practical Training
• Boston University ISSO: Additional SEVP Guidance Further Restricts CPT Eligibility (Aug. 28, 2026)
• Carnegie Mellon OIE: Lawsuit Challenging CPT Changes (Oct. 8, 2026)

Guides in this topic

CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT: What Is the Difference?Day 1 CPT Checklist: How to Vet a Program Safely

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