Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations state that curricular practical training must be an “integral part of an established curriculum.”  Curricular Practical training by virtue of a definition is, “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,”     8 C.F.R. § 214.2 (f)(10)(i).

  • Work study
  • Internship
  • Cooperative Education
  • Practicums
  • Clinicals

Eligibility

  • Students must be in valid F-1 status for one full academic year before applying for CPT.
  • Newly admitted F-1 students must be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT – this means La Salle students must be enrolled full-time for two complete academic semesters in order to qualify for CPT. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require immediate curricular practical training or transfer students.
  • CPT is available only while the student is in valid F-1 status and before the completion of his/her program.
  • Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits (some Graduate programs requires 9 or 12 credits) and a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate students. An exception to this rule is granted when a student is in her or his final semester of study and has prior permission to enroll in less than full-time credits approved by ISSS. An RCL must be completed and approved by the Academic Advisor.
  • Full-time permanent job offers do NOT meet job eligibility requirements for CPT (in any circumstance). If you are offered a full-time permanent position, you should consider applying for Optional Practical Training or have the employer submit to the USCIS a petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (H-1B) status.

Part-time Versus Full-time CPT

  • Part-time Training – During the school year while classes are in session, students can engage in CPT on a part-time basis, limited to no more than 20 hours per week. An exception to this rule is while a student is in his or her final semester and does not need to take full-time credits to finish a degree.  Prior authorization from ISSS and the Academic Advisor must be granted.
  • Full-time Training – A student can engage in full-time CPT during official University breaks and vacation (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring break, and summer) and during the final semester granted the student has met all other requirements such as approval to enroll in part-time credits and for CPT. Full-time CPT allows the student to work more than 20 hours per week.

Documentation Requirements

  • The official offer letter on company letterhead signed by the prospective employer.The letter should include the following:
    • employer’s name,
    • street address,
    • title of position,
    • description of internship (job description),
    • full-time or part-time status,
    • salary
    • and, exact dates of employment.

A sample letter can be obtained at the MIC or by request from the DSO.

  • A complete application signed by your academic advisor recommending the practical training experience and explaining the academic requirements that the proposed employment will fulfill. Applications can be obtained at the MIC or by request from the DSO.
  • Proof of registration for CPT credits if you are earning academic credit for the training. Note: you must be registered for CPT credits in the same semester during which the work will be done.  

If you have any questions whether or not your employment is eligible, please contact ISSS at intloffice.edu before commencing your employment.