F-1 Student Curricular Practical Training Requirements

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off-campus work authorization for F-1 students participating in an internship, clinical rotation, practicum, or other employment opportunity that is an integral part of their established curriculum. The training must be directly related to the student’s major and must be required by the degree program and qualify for academic credit through an appropriate course. CPT may be authorized for paid or unpaid opportunities, provided all eligibility requirements are met and the student receives authorization before beginning the training.

CPT Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CPT, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Maintain valid F-1 status: Students must be in valid F-1 status and maintain their immigration status throughout their studies.
  • Complete one academic year: Students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (nine consecutive months).

                   Exception: Graduate students whose programs require immediate participation in an internship may qualify for an exception.

  • Required academic training: The internship must be directly related to the student’s major and required as an integral part of the established degree
    curriculum.
  • Enroll in an associated course: Students must enroll in a course associated with the internship, such as an internship or independent study course, that
    awards academic credit.
  • Obtain OIS authorization: CPT must be approved and authorized by OIS before the student begins working.

CPT Work Hours and Restrictions

CPT may be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the academic requirements and authorization granted.

  • Part-time CPT: 20 hours per week or fewer.
  • Full-time CPT: More than 20 hours per week.
  • During academic terms: Students are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week unless additional hours are required to meet the course’s academic requirements and OIS approves the arrangement.
  • During official school breaks: Students may be authorized to work more than 20 hours per week during summer or winter breaks.
  • Authorization dates: CPT is authorized only for the approved dates and must be reauthorized each semester. Authorization generally aligns with the official academic semester dates.
  • Academic credit: The number of permitted work hours typically corresponds to the academic credits earned through the associated course.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment: Students must maintain a full course of study while participating in CPT, except when an applicable exception applies, such as during an authorized summer term.
  • OPT eligibility: Students who accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT become ineligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part- time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.

CPT Authorization Procedure

Important: Students must receive prior approval from the OIS Immigration Team and obtain an updated Form I-20 with CPT authorization before beginning employment. Do not begin working until your CPT authorization is approved and issued.

Application Steps

Step 1: Attend a CPT seminar or meet with the OIS Immigration Team to discuss CPT eligibility and requirements.

Step 2: Contact your academic department to confirm internship requirements and identify your faculty instructor or supervisor.

Step 3: Find an off-campus internship that meets CPT eligibility requirements.

Step 4: Submit your internship details through Career Link (instructions will be provided  separately). Be sure to have the contact information for both your faculty supervisor and your site supervisor or manager.

Step 5: Submit all required documentation to the OIS Immigration Team for review and authorization. Once approved, you will receive an updated Form I-20 reflecting your CPT authorization.

Required Documents for CPT Authorization

Students must submit all three of the following documents:

1. Letter of employment from the internship site supervisor
2. Letter from the faculty supervisor or department head
3. Internship course syllabus

1. Letter of Employment from the Site Supervisor

The letter must include:

Student’s full name

  • Employment offer, including the expected number of work hours per week
  • Employment start and end dates
  • Description of the student’s job duties and supervision
  • Salary or stipend, if applicable
  • Statement confirming that the employer agrees to cooperate with MSU Billings in achieving the curricular objectives of the employment or training

2. Letter from the Faculty Supervisor or Department Head

The letter must include:

  • Confirmation that the internship is an integral part of the student’s degree curriculum, including an explanation of how the work relates to the student’s
    academic program and/or course
  • Description of how the internship will be evaluated academically
  • Confirmation of whether academic credit will be awarded and, if applicable, the number of credits

3. Internship Course Syllabus

The syllabus must include:

  •  Course number and title
  •  Number of credits offered
  •  Instructor’s name and contact information
  • Detailed overview of the course curriculum and academic evaluation process

Questions? Contact the OIS Immigration Team before beginning your internship to ensure you meet all CPT requirements.