International Students and Internships

International students in F-1 status who meet certain eligibility requirements can participate in internships using CPT.  This page provides an overview – we recommend any international student interested in CPT connect with an ISS advisor for the most up-to-date information about their unique circumstances.

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of temporary work authorization for F-1 international students. It lets you gain real-world experience—like internships, co-ops, or practicum—directly related to your major.

Whether it’s paid or unpaid, CPT is your chance to apply what you’re learning in class to the professional world!

Who’s Eligible for CPT?

To qualify, you need to:

  • Be in active F-1 visa status
  • Complete 3 full-time quarters before starting CPT
  • Be enrolled in CPT credits for the internship
  • Be a full-time student, unless it’s:
    • Your annual vacation quarter (usually summer)
    • Your final quarter before graduation
  • Have a job offer related to your field of study

Earning Credit for CPT

  • You must earn at least 1 academic credit per quarter of CPT (unless an internship is required for your major, ex. Environmental Public Health)
  • You can’t be enrolled only in CPT credits during your final quarter
  • Credit must come from your academic department or GEN ST 350
    • Most courses will require you to enroll at the same time as your internship
      • For summer internships, you’ll be responsible for paying tuition and fees that summer
  • Graduate students: your rules might differ—check with an ISS adviser!

CPT Time Limits

Part-Time CPT (Less than or equal to 20 hours per week):

  • No limit on how many quarters you can do this
  • Avoid jobs with inconsistent weekly hours

Full-Time CPT (More than 20 hours per week):

  • Be careful! 12 months of full-time CPT = no OPT eligibility
  • You can work a CPT internship and a campus job at the same time

How to Apply for CPT

  1. Learn the rules
    • Visit the ISS CPT page
    • Talk to your department about internship policies and course options
  2. Find an internship
    • It must be directly related to your major
  3. Enroll in the right course
    • Either your department’s internship course or GEN ST 350
  4. Submit your CPT application online
    • Fill out your part on the ISS website
    • Your adviser and department will review and forward it
    • ISS takes 7–10 business days to process
  5. Get your new I-20
    • If approved, it takes an average of three weeks to issue
    • You cannot start working until you have been issued a CPT I-20

Quick Recap

If you’re an F-1 student and meet the requirements, CPT lets you gain hands-on experience while staying on track with your studies. Just follow the steps, stay organized, and you’ll be ready to launch your career—before you even graduate!

Looking for international student-friendly employers or interested in companies with a history of H-1B visa sponsorship? Check out Interstride – the one-stop-shop for international students and global opportunities.