Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is the work authorization international students must receive from a designated school official (DSO) on their I-20 prior to engaging in any off-campus work integral to their academic curriculum while studying at Elmhurst University.
CPT must be integral to the academic curriculum for a program, and therefore can only be authorized for programs which require off-campus practical training for all students for degree completion. Students must receive academic credit for participating in CPT, and therefore is only authorized for specifically identified courses in a student’s program. Elective courses are not allowed to be used for CPT. This applies to all part-time, full-time, paid and unpaid off-campus work or internship opportunities for international students.
Elmhurst University’s CPT policy will continue to be reviewed according to federal guidance.
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 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.
Learn more about CPT in the sections below.
You are eligible for CPT when you meet the following requirements:
- Are in a program that requires off-campus practical training experience
- Have completed one academic year (two terms) of full-time academic study
- 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 specified by program
Hours
- Part-time CPT is 20 hours per week or less.
- Full-time CPT is over 20 hours per week.
- Full-time CPT is only available during a vacation or break (J-Term and Summer term)*
- The following Graduate programs have deemed full-time CPT integral throughout the course of the academic program:
- Entry in Nursing Practice
- Nursing
- The following Graduate programs have deemed full-time CPT integral throughout the course of the academic program:
- Full-time CPT is only available during a vacation or break (J-Term and Summer term)*
Changes to CPT
- Any changes to authorized CPT, such as 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.
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 practical training experience offer letter that will satisfy your academic program requirements
- Register for a CPT eligible course within your academic program
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
- 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 required for 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.
- 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.