Curricular Practical Training

F-1 regulations define Curricular Practical Training as “An integral part of an established curriculum…alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”

  • CPT can be part or full-time. Part-time CPT is 20 hour/week or less. Full-time CPT is over 20 hours/ week.
  • Full-time CPT will generally NOT be authorized while you are enrolled full-time (Spring or Fall semesters) or in Summer if enrollment is full-time
  • Part-time CPT does not affect the time allowed for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is not available for F-1s who have used more than 12 months of full-time CPT.
  • CPT will be authorized only for 1 semester at a time. Continued semesters will require additional CPT applications.
  • Employment may NOT begin without CPT Authorization. You will receive a new I-20 with authorization listed on page 3. Employment is only allowed at the specific place authorized during the dates listed on the I-20. Any off-campus employment without authorization is serious violation of F-1 status.

CPT for Undergraduate Students
If you are an undergraduate student, your CPT must fall within one of these 3 categories. If your desired employment does not meet the following criteria, then CPT will

  1. You will be given course credit for the internship. The course must be offered as a regular part of your department’s curriculum. A DIS will not satisfy this requirement.

  2. Internship is necessary for completion of your Bachelor’s degree program. CPT cannot be authorized if this internship is merely related or recommended.

  3. You will register for a Career Experience Opportunities (CEO) internship or cooperative work experience through FSU’s Career Center. The CEO internship must be listed in your department’s curriculum and must appear on your transcript. Maximum authorization for this option is 1 year, or 3 semesters.

What documentation is required for Undergrad CPT?
The following documents must be submitted to the International Center. Incomplete applications will NOT be processed.

  1. Curricular Practical Training Application Form - completed by the student AND student’s Academic Advisor. This form can be found here online: Undergraduate CPT Form

  2. A copy of the original internship/training offer and/or letter of acceptance from the Employer- letter should be on company letterhead and state the following:
    • the physical address of the employer (NOT a PO Box)
    • position title and description
    • dates of employment.
    • Is the position paid or unpaid?

  3. For students registered for CEO internship with FSU Career Center - For this option, you must register for the Career Experience Opportunities program (CEO Program) at the Career Center (UCA 4100) The Career Center will also need a copy of the original internship/training offer letter from the prospective employer. Once you are registered with the CEO program, the Career Center will fax a verification letter to the International Center.

CPT for Graduate Students
If you are a graduate student, your CPT must fall within one of these 3 categories. If your desired employment does not meet the following criteria, then CPT will NOT be granted. Please note exceptions and special circumstances.

  1. The student will be given course credit for the internship. The course must be offered as a regular part of the department’s curriculum. A DIS will not satisfy this requirement.
Exception: Master’s and doctoral students in the thesis or dissertation phase will need to provide an additional letter from their academic advisor, on department letterhead also signed by the department chair. The letter should clearly explain the following:
  • Why this internship experience and course enrollment is an integral part of your current academic program.
  • How and why the internship/course is appropriate at this point in your academic program.
  • How and why the internship/course is appropriate for your academic level (i.e. It is graduate level, but what makes it appropriate and integral for a Master’s/PhD student who has completed all coursework?)
  1. Employment is essential for completion of the thesis/project or dissertation. CPT cannot be authorized if employment is merely related to the topic. Student should have passed any preliminary exams and be enrolled in thesis/dissertation hours. Student will need to provide a letter from his/her thesis/dissertation advisor, on department letterhead explaining the necessity for CPT. (See sample letter in this packet.)
Exception: Thesis/dissertation type of CPT will generally NOT be granted in the final term (semester in which thesis/dissertation defense occurs.)
  1. The student registers for a Career Experience Opportunities (CEO) internship or cooperative work experience through FSU’s Career Center. The CEO internship must be listed in the department’s curriculum and must appear on the transcript. Maximum authorization for this option is 1 year, or 3 semesters.
Graduate students may only use the Career Center option in Summer - unless Summer is the final term. Graduate students CANNOT use this option in Spring or Fall.

What documentation is required for Graduate CPT?
The following documents must be submitted to the International Center.

  1. Curricular Practical Training Application Form - completed by the student AND student’s Academic Advisor. This form can be found here online: Graduate CPT Form.

  2. A copy of the original internship/training offer and/or letter of acceptance from the Employer - letter should be on company letterhead and state the following:
    • the physical address of the employer (NOT a PO Box)
    • the position description and title
    • dates of work
    • Is the work paid or unpaid?

  3. For students registered for (Summer only) CEO internship with FSU Career Center - You must register for the Career Experience Opportunities program (CEO Program) at the Career Center (UCA 4100) The Career Center will also need a copy of the original internship/training offer letter from the prospective employer. Once you are registered with the CEO program, the Career Center will fax a verification letter to the International Center.

  4. For students using CPT to complete thesis or dissertation - You must also include a letter from your academic advisor clearly explaining how the work is necessary for completion of the thesis or dissertation. (A sample letter is included in the CPT application.)