How to Apply for CPT
CPT Classes:
How to Apply for CPT/Change Your CPT Employer:
Step 1: Get an offer letter from your CPT site stating title, duties, hours per week, start date of employment, and address of employment.
Step 2: Request the CPT I-20 here
Step 3: ISS will review your application and contact your faculty advisor for CPT approval.
Step 4: ISS will authorize CPT in SEVIS and issue your CPT I-20. CPT must be authorized in SEVIS before you start. You must sign the Student Attestation section on your I-20.
Step 5: If you do not already have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will use your CPT I-20 to apply for it. Click here for information on applying for an SSN.
Note: If you have already started a request for the current term, please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your request. Do not start a new request.
To initiate a request, click here and login with Campus ID (use your CSP credentials). Requests can be found in the “Control Center” section of the request page.
The information contained in this web site is not intended as, and does not serve as, legal advice. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Content is subject to change, and students are advised to consult an experienced U.S. immigration attorney for advice and further information. Neither Concordia University, St. Paul nor the Office of International Student Services is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.
- SEVP guidance states CPT must be taken for credit. This means you must register for the appropriate CPT class in the same term as you are completing your CPT opportunity.
- You must confirm with your department or academic advisor that you are registered for the appropriate CPT class before requesting CPT.
- If your major requires an internship, you must be registered for the appropriate internship class. CPT cannot be authorized for a minor.
- If your major does not have an internship class, you must register for a 1 credit Internship class as an elective credit. Students interested in CPT should "save" an elective credit for this purpose.
- This 1 credit Internship class will count as an elective credit. You can only register for this class if you still need elective credits to complete your degree.
- If you do not need additional elective credits to complete your degree, but wish to pursue CPT, you must submit a General Petition form. If the General Petition is approved, you may register for the class.
- The Internship elective credit cannot be used if it will delay your graduation date.
- All graduate students must register for their program's appropriate CPT class.
- The ITM, Data Analytics, Computer Science, and MBA programs have a required CPT class each term.
- You must keep a copy of your CPT class syllabi. This may be requested by USCIS for future immigration applications such as OPT or H-1B.
How to Apply for CPT/Change Your CPT Employer:
Step 1: Get an offer letter from your CPT site stating title, duties, hours per week, start date of employment, and address of employment.
Step 2: Request the CPT I-20 here
Step 3: ISS will review your application and contact your faculty advisor for CPT approval.
Step 4: ISS will authorize CPT in SEVIS and issue your CPT I-20. CPT must be authorized in SEVIS before you start. You must sign the Student Attestation section on your I-20.
Step 5: If you do not already have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will use your CPT I-20 to apply for it. Click here for information on applying for an SSN.
Note: If you have already started a request for the current term, please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your request. Do not start a new request.
To initiate a request, click here and login with Campus ID (use your CSP credentials). Requests can be found in the “Control Center” section of the request page.
The information contained in this web site is not intended as, and does not serve as, legal advice. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Content is subject to change, and students are advised to consult an experienced U.S. immigration attorney for advice and further information. Neither Concordia University, St. Paul nor the Office of International Student Services is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.