International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

General Information

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum in the student's course of study. Types of CPT work authorization can be internship, cooperative education or any other employment that is related to the student's degree program. Thus, CPT for F-1 students is intended to provide work experience in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student's academic program, prior to completion of that program.

During the spring and fall semesters, students are expected to maintain a full course load of study unless they have received an authorized reduced course load. Students may work on campus (student worker and assistantships) and on CPT at the same time, as long as the total hours do not exceed 20 hours/week. Students may work full-time during the summer semester.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for enrollment in the CPT (Co-op) program, the following must be true:

• I have maintained my F-1 status.
• I have been on an active F-1 status enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year (fall and spring) before starting CPT
• I have not yet graduated/completed my program at SIUE.
• I have taken care of all holds on my SIUE account preventing me from registering for classes.
• I have at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA (for undergraduate students) or 3.0 GPA (for graduate students).
• I will continue to maintain health insurance coverage for the CPT period.

Students must meet all program requirements and apply for CPT each term, including meeting all scheduled deadlines and notifying both the Office of International Affairs and the Career Development Center of employment. Students not meeting the program requirements will not be allowed to work during that term. All assignments are semester based, and changing employers during the semester is not allowed.

CPT Information

CPT is authorized on a semester basis and is employer specific. Only one employer per student per term will be authorized. If you hope to work for another semester, you need to reapply with all new required documentation. Check the CDC website for deadlines. You are authorized to work for specific dates of employment on your I-20. You may not begin before the start date or continue working after the end date. If you work beyond the end date, you will be working illegally and could lose future immigration benefits. If you do not already have a social security number, you must allow time to apply for one and receive the actual social security card in the mail before you begin working.

If a student participates in twelve months or more of full-time CPT, they will lose eligibility to apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of studies.  Participation in part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for post-completion OPT.

CPT During Final Term

If you are enrolled part-time in your final term before program completion, you must submit the Reduced Course Load (RCL) and receive authorization from your international advisor. CPT is only allowed in your final term if you are also registered for other courses which are required for the completion of your academic program.

This process should be started as soon as possible to ensure completion by the start of employment term. Please allow 5 business days processing time after you have submitted your advisor letter in step 1 below. A job offer is not required to begin the application process but you must have one to complete the process with the CDC. You cannot begin work until you have received an I-20 showing your CPT authorization.

Application Procedure

1. Request a letter from your academic advisor outlining the classes you will be taking for future semesters and the date of your graduation. View a CPT Sample Letter. 
2. Please email this letter to isss@siue.edu
3. The immigration advisor will send the eligibility letter (email) electronically to the Career Development Center (CDC). This can be done at any time and must be done each term you are planning to work.
4. Check the CDC website for CPT deadlines. These deadlines are firm. No late applications will be accepted. Allow a couple of business days prior to these deadlines to complete required paperwork.
   
5. Register with the CDC.
6. Update your Cougar Jobline profile with the CDC.
7. Meet with a CDC counselor for resume approval.
8. Complete co-op orientation online.
9. Schedule an appointment with the CDC to process your CPT paperwork.

Authorization Procedure

Once you are approved through the CDC, your immigration advisor will authorize CPT by issuing a new I-20 with the start and end dates of work authorization. You will receive your new CPT I-20 showing your CPT authorization within 1-2 business days after the CDC has sent your employment information to our office. The start date cannot be backdated. You may engage in CPT employment only after you have received the I-20 with work authorization. This work authorization is valid only for the specific employer, location, time period, and on a part-time or full-time basis as approved and recorded by your immigration advisor as evidenced on your I-20 issued for CPT.

CPT Information Session

 Still have questions? Check out the recording of the Spring 2024 CPT and Internship Info Session.