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CPT - Curricular Practical Training

Student Eligibility:
  • Must have maintained full-time enrollment in F-1 status for at least one academic year (9 months) prior to CPT. This includes time in F-1 status at another school prior to starting at Concordia unless the student has taken a break of 5 months or longer in between schools. Students in graduate programs that require immediate practical training may participate before meeting the academic year requirement.
  • Must have an employment or training offer related to the class that CPT is connected to. 
  • Concurrent enrollment classes are not CPT eligible.
Things to Know:
  • 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.
CPT Classes:
  • 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.