Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” Source: [8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)]. CPT is available only prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program.CPT is available only if the curriculum of your degree requires students to complete and internship, practicum or cooperative education. Every program at MSUM has different academic requirements, not every student at MSUM will be able to take the advantage of CPT.

CPT Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for CPT authorization if the following applies to you:

You are maintaining lawful F-1 student status
Must be in good academic standing/GPA
You have completed one academic year of full-time study, unless you are enrolled in a graduate program that required an internship earlier
The internship must be major requirement/major elective. It cannot be used to fulfill open electives requirements

CPT Application Process

If you meet the above eligibility criteria, you will need to make an appointment with International Student Services to obtain authorization on the 2nd page of your I-20. The CPT process does not need to be sent to USCIS or need money to process the application. You will need to bring the following documentation before your appointment with International Student Services:

Current I-20
Completed Curricular Practical Training Form
Your department/academic advisor must complete the above Curricular Practical Training Form
Unofficial transcript showing proof of enrollment in internship/ Practicum credits
Offer of employment letter from the company/institution where you will work, including the name of the company, location (city/state), brief description, dates of employment and number of hours per week

Please note: Students must remember to LIMIT working full-time under CPT for less than 12 months. If you EXCEED 12 months full time you will lose your OPT privileges.