CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING

What is CPT? –

  • Curricular meaning the training must be part of an academic course 
  • The course must be at least one credit 
  • The course must be a curricular requirement for you to graduate. In other words, everyone in the same program as you must also b required to complete the training
  • Training meaning any work-like experience, paid or unpaid 
  • Such as practicum, internship, clinicals, student teaching, etc... 
  • Must be directly related to your major area of study 


Only students in the following programs are eligible for CPT  –

  • Undergraduate Programs
  • Education, Nursing, Psychology, Health & Human Performance, Sport Leadership & Recreation, Art-Graphic Design Concentration, Biology-Fisheries & Wildlife Concentration
  • Graduate Programs
  • Art Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Athletic Training


CPT Authorization Process (OIE procedures only; departmental procedures vary) –

  1. Attend CPT Workshop 
  2. Log into emporia-isss.terradotta.com. Select Start New Request and find F-1: New CPT Employment Authorization. Start Request: Read learning content, complete quiz, download Academic Advisor Form 
  3. Follow your department's process 
  4. Talk to your academic advisor to see if the course fits in your degree plan 
  5. Secure a signed cooperative agreement or job offer letter 
  6. Enroll in course 
  7. Complete the F-1: New CPT Employment Authorization request 
  8. Wait ten business days for OIE to process your application 
  9. If approved, receive I-20 from OIE 
  10. Print, sign, and keep I-20 with CPT authorization 
  11. Start work on or after start date on I-20 

a. I-20 cannot be backdated! 

  1. Stop work before or on end date on I-20 


Timeframe and Hours –


Timeframe –

  • CPT is authorized by semester 
  • The earliest day you can work is the first day of the semester 
  • The last day you can work is the final day of the semester 
  • Exceptions exist for students with program required internship hours such as Clinical Psychology majors. 


Hours –

  • Part-time: When school is in session, you can work less than 20 hours per week. 
  • Full-time: During summer and winter break, you can work more than 20 hours per week. You must obtain full-time authorization on your I-20. 


Eligbillity –

To be eligible for CPT, you must: 

  • Be making good academic progress toward your degree 
  • Your expected graduation date should match your program end date on your I-20 
  • Have been enrolled in academic courses full-time for one academic year 
  • An exception exists for students in graduate studies whose programs require earlier training. 
  • Courses for Intensive English Program and Pathway Program do not count toward this requirement 
  • Be in lawful F-1 status 
  • Have a job offer 


Frequently Asked Questions –

Can CPT be related to my minor or general graduation requirements? 

No, it must be related to your major program of study. 

 

Do I need to apply for CPT for a campus job? 

It depends. If your campus job is a part of a class, then yes. 

 

Can I work on campus and do CPT at the same time? 

Yes, but if the total work hours of your campus job and CPT are combined to 30 hours per week or more, then you must prove that you are able to manage the workload and get permission from your academic advisor. You cannot exceed 20 hours per week, per job during the semester. 

 

May I participate in Full-Time CPT while having a Graduate Assistantship?  

Yes, but you must maintain good academic progress. 

 

Can the CPT course be the only course I take in my last semester?  

No, unless it is a degree requirement like student teaching.