Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is an opportunity for F-1 students to learn practical skills related to their majors/academic programs while studying at Elmhurst University.
CPT requires off-campus work authorization by a DSO within ISS. Students must receive academic credit via a CPT Eligible Course taken at the same time as the CPT authorized work experience period. CPT is not designed for long-term, continuous employment, but instead is meant for short-term academic related training and experience.
Please Note:
- Engaging in 12 months of full-time CPT prohibits you from participating in OPT.
- CPT is authorized for one term at a time. Students wishing to continue their off-campus employment opportunity must meet all eligibility criteria and submit a new application for authorization for each term in which they meet all eligibility requirements.
- Do not begin CPT employment prior to the authorized start date and end your CPT employment by the authorized end date. Working outside of your authorized dates can cause the loss of F-1 status.
Common forms of employment and off-campus experiential employment that require CPT include, but are not limited to:
- Employment directly related to your academic major
- A paid or unpaid internship
- A Cooperative (co-op) education experience
- Participation in a Practicum, Clinicals, or Student Teaching
Learn more about CPT in the sections below.
You are eligible for CPT when you meet the following requirements:
- Have completed one academic year (two terms) of full-time academic study*
- *Graduate Students may begin CPT earlier if deemed integral within their academic program
- The following Graduate programs have deemed CPT integral throughout the course of the academic program: MBA (both Graduate programs), Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Entry in Nursing Practice, and Nursing.
- *Graduate Students may begin CPT earlier if deemed integral within their academic program
- Are making normal academic progress
- Have obtained a job/internship offer letter for an experience directly related to their major/academic program prior to requesting CPT authorization
- Are registered for a CPT eligible course for their given academic level and program
Hours
- Part-time CPT is 20 hours per week or less.
- Full-time CPT is over 20 hours a week.
- Full-time CPT is only available during a vacation or break (J-Term and Summer term)*
- *Graduate Students may engage in Full-time CPT in any term if deemed integral within their academic program.
- The following Graduate programs have deemed full-time CPT integral throughout the course of the academic program: MBA (both Graduate programs), Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Entry in Nursing Practice, and Nursing.
- *Graduate Students may engage in Full-time CPT in any term if deemed integral within their academic program.
- Full-time CPT is only available during a vacation or break (J-Term and Summer term)*
Changes to CPT
- Any changes to your CPT (shortening CPT, extending CPT within a term, or canceling CPT) must be discussed with a DSO prior to taking action.
Course Registration
- As CPT is curricular training, you need to be registered in a CPT eligible course for your major/academic program prior to receiving CPT authorization from ISS. CPT eligible courses are determined by the Dean or Program Director of each academic department, are major/program specific, and integral to the completion of your major/academic program. Please choose the appropriate list below based on your degree level to find the CPT eligible course(s) for your major/academic program:
Employment
- Must be directly related to your major/academic program. Your Academic Advisor/Program Director will review your employment offer letter to verify.
Timing
- CPT is authorized for one term (the duration of the corresponding course) and requires a new authorization for each applicable term after.
- You are able to request start and end dates outside of the term as long as:
- It is specified in your employment offer letter and
- The dates do not overlap the term prior to or after the term in which your CPT eligible course occurs.
- Do not start CPT employment prior to the designated start date or continue past the designated end date on your CPT authorization.
Prior to submitting your CPT application
- Discuss CPT eligibility with a DSO
- Obtain a job offer that is directly related to your major/academic program
- Register for a CPT eligible course within your major/academic program
- Undergraduate CPT eligible courses list
- Graduate CPT eligible courses list
- Students are able to petition to use a non-identified course for CPT authorization. Dean or Program Director approval for a course to be eligible for CPT must be granted prior to submitting your CPT application and email confirmation will be required to be submitted as an attachment. This is case-by-case and a rare exception; the pre-determined CPT eligible courses are the norm for CPT authorization.
Submitting your CPT application
- Log-in to MyElmhurst Portal and click the Etrieve app or directly access the F-1 CPT I-20 Request form
- If you need assistance accessing Etrieve, review our Knowledge Base article
- Complete all sections of the F-1 CPT I-20 Request form
- Attach your offer letter
- After the submission of your form:
- Academic Verification is completed by your Academic Advisor/Program Director to:
- Confirm that you are identified and academically appropriate for the CPT eligible course
- Review and confirm that your employment opportunity is directly related to your academic major/academic program
- DSO verification is completed to verify all eligibility is met per F-1 regulations
- Academic Verification is completed by your Academic Advisor/Program Director to:
- If all CPT eligibility requirements are met, a DSO will authorize CPT for the requested term on your SEVIS record and you will receive your CPT authorized I-20 via email.
CPT Application & Authorization Notes
- If your application is incomplete, incorrectly filled out, or you do not meet eligibility for any reason, it will be denied. Applications can be denied at any point in the application review process.
- It is your responsibility to make sure your application is accurate and fully processed. You should notify your Academic Advisor/Program Director about your CPT application and follow up as needed.
- Please do not begin CPT employment prior to the authorized start date and end your CPT employment by the authorized end date. Working outside of your authorized dates can cause the loss of F-1 status.
- It is advised to apply for CPT at least one month prior to your requested start date to allow time to request and obtain an SSN if you do not already have one (required for paid opportunities). You can review how to apply for an SSN utilizing your CPT I-20 here.