Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students

If (1) you are a graduate student, (2) you are maintaining lawful F-1 status, and (3) the proposed employment is a required part of your studies, you may apply for permission to engage in CPT whenever your program requires your participation, even if it is immediately upon beginning your studies. Undergraduate students must have completed one academic year of full-time study, be in lawful F-1 status at the time they submit their application and continue to maintain valid F-1 status in order to be eligible for any form of CPT.

While you are enrolled for classes, you may be employed for 20 hours or less per week; this is considered "part-time" curricular practical training. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in part-time CPT but you must be simultaneously enrolled in order to maintain lawful F 1 status.

Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered "full time" CPT. Full-time CPT is only possible during summer vacation unless your degree requires you to complete a full-time internship during fall and/or spring semesters. In the latter case, you may be eligible to engage in full-time CPT during fall and/or spring semesters as well. Please note that CPT for which you receive academic credit (i.e., at least one credit in an internship course) requires enrollment, even during the summer. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in full-time CPT but if you participate for 12 months or more, you will not be eligible for optional practical training.

It is important that you understand that if you participate in 12 months or more of "full time" CPT, you lose eligibility to apply for 12 months of optional practical training.

Review specifics of your program requirements in the UM Academic Bulletin. Enroll in an internship or practicum course if course enrollment is the requirement, and review the UM Academic Calendar, as the term of enrollment will indicate the maximum duration of your CPT Authorization, unless stated otherwise.

2. Submit your request for CPT authorization from ISSS:  Click on CPT Request - Program Requirement, carefully review and complete Sections A through E, and submit the request so it gets routed to the additional signers.

 3. The academic department representative overseeing curricular objectives and then your academic advisor will receive a notification e-mail and will each be asked to complete their sections of the e-form and to submit it. They will be required to upload the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Agreement form completed by your employer.

4. Now that all signers have completed their sections, your ISSS advisor will review the request and, if eligible, authorize you to engage in CPT and e-mail you an updated Form I-20 within 5 business days. The CPT authorization is noted on page 2 of the I-20. 

Note: You will receive automated updates about the status of your e-form. Please follow up with any of the signers, if necessary. Keep in mind that you may not begin employment before you have received your new Form I-20 and until the CPT start date, and you must end employment on the date noted.