Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment experience during a student's degree program which an integral part of the student's established curriculum.

The employment must meet one of the following requirements to qualify as CPT:

• The practical training is required of all student in the student's program of study; 
• The student will register for and receive academic credit for the training; or,
• The training is part of an established cooperative agreement between the student's school and the organization offering the training.

CPT is available to F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. CPT must be authorized by the international student advisor in the Oxford International Student Programs office.

CPT may be authorized part-time or full-time. Part-time CPT is defined as 20 hours or less each week. More than 20 hours of employment is week is considered full-time CPT. Students who accumulate more than 364 days of full-time CPT employment in their current degree level will lose eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at this degree level.

Eligibility

• Completed at least one academic year (two long semesters) as a full-time student
• In valid F-1 status
• Have an employment offer and academic advisor approval of internship proposal
• Have enrolled in credit-earning internship course
• Have not completed your degree requirements

Application Process

1. Contact your academic advisor for information about internship approval process.
2. Obtain an internship/employment offer letter.
3. Obtain academic advisor approval of internship and academic advisor’s signature on CPT Recommendation Form. 
4. Enroll in appropriate internship course.
5. Submit CPT Recommendation Form and internship/employment offer letter to Oxford International Student Programs office.
6. Allow 3—5 business days to process your CPT I-20 request. The international student advisor will email you when your CPT I-20 is available to be picked up.
7. Pick up your CPT I-20. Authorization information will be noted on page three of your Form I-20.
8. Begin employment only on the CPT start date listed on your Form I-20. Working prior to receiving your CPT Form I-20 is not permitted and is a violation of F-1 status.

Enrollment

Full-time enrollment is required during fall and spring semesters and in the first semester of a new program unless the student is otherwise authorized for reduced enrollment by the Oxford international student advisor.

CPT Limits

• Only one CPT is authorized at a time.
• CPT is authorized for only part-time (20 hours or less per week) during fall and spring semesters. CPT may be authorized either full-time or part-time during the summer session. 
• Many academic departments limit the number of CPT internships available to you. Contact your academic advisor to determine how many internship courses are permitted in your program of study.