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Things to Know Before Applying

  • CPT start date:
    • Choose a CPT start date that is at least 5 business days in the future from the date you submit your completed CPT request.
    • The CPT start date must be entered in SEVIS and CPT I-20 issued BEFORE starting employment.
    • It is not possible to backdate the CPT start date in SEVIS.
    • Allow 5 business days for CPT authorization processing.
  • You choose your CPT start and end date:
    • CPT can only be authorized for the dates in which you are enrolled in a CPT class. Ex. The first day of classes or start date of your CPT and the last day of classes. View the academic calendar to see the first and last day of classes for the semester.
  • CPT is authorized per term. You must submit a new CPT request if you wish to continue with your CPT. Make sure to submit your CPT request at least one week prior to your current CPT end date. 
  • Students must be registered full-time while on CPT. (Students with a last term RCL or undergraduate students in summer term are exempted.)
  • Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours/week) for 12 months at the same level (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.) cancels eligibility for OPT. This includes any full-time CPT done at your level at a school other than Concordia.
  • Part-time CPT (20 or less hours/week) does not affect eligibility for OPT. Students may be authorized for as much part-time CPT as needed for their program. Please note that working more than 20 hours combined between on-campus employment AND part-time CPT may be viewed as full-time employment by USCIS. 
  • Unpaid internships still require CPT authorization.
  • Students with paid employment are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). See Step 5 below for more information. 
    • If you already have an SSN, do not apply for a new one. You will keep the same SSN number.
  • You must have CPT authorization in SEVIS for each specific job, for the length of that job offer. 
    • Notify ISS immediately of any changes to your CPT authorization.
    • You must put in a new CPT request to extend your CPT opportunity.
  • Your faculty advisor will confirm your CPT opportunity is connected to your class. Allow ISS time to receive this approval before your intended CPT start date. To determine if the opportunity is appropriate for CPT, it must be in your field and at your level. This means that the duties/tasks performed relate to the class that CPT is connected to. The level required is the level you previously completed or are currently studying at. For example,
    • BA Public Health student, Hospital volunteer? (Yes, in major and at level.)
    • MBA student, Target, Retail, Customer Service Associate, or Cashier. CPT? (No, not at level. Does not require BA or masters.)
    • MS ITM student, McDonalds, IT Specialist or Software Engineer. CPT? (Yes, in major and at level as long as BA required and/or masters preferred.)
  • An inappropriate CPT opportunity may jeopardize your eligibility with USCIS for future work benefits such as OPT. 
  • CPT employers must have a US address. 
    • Remote positions will be noted in your SEVIS record.
  • Students who change programs from one term to another may experience a gap in CPT as CPT can only be authorized for the program listed on your I-20. Classes must be in session for CPT to be authorized. Ie. CPT may not start before classes do.
  • You must submit a Health Insurance Waiver if you gain health insurance coverage through your CPT employer. This must be received by the Friday of the first week of classes according to CSP's health insurance policy. Waivers received after this deadline will go into effect in the following term. A waiver must be submitted each term; otherwise, you will be enrolled in the CSP's health insurance plan.
  • CPT vs. pre-completion OPT
    • Pre-completion OPT is only authorized in extremely rare cases.
    • Pre-completion OPT will only be authorized when undergraduate students have an eligible training opportunity and no CPT class available in their program.
    • A student who still has coursework remaining to complete his or her educational objective or degree program is limited to 20 hours per week of pre-completion optional practical training while school is in session.
      • Such a student can, however, apply for full-time authorization during his or her annual vacation, and during other official school breaks.
    • Talk to your immigration advisor for more information.