International Student Services

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

CPT is a structured educational program which combines classroom learning with productive work experience in a field related to a student’s academic program. CPT is available to F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis in a US university for at least one academic year.

CPT Eligibility

In order to be eligible for participation in CPT at UTD, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have been lawfully enrolled full-time in a US university for at least one academic year and must currently be in F-1 status.  One academic year at U.T. Dallas equals two long semesters.
• You must be in good academic standing (above 3.0 GPA for graduate students, above 2.0 GPA for undergraduate students).
• You must meet all CPT requirements of the UTD Jonsson School Industrial Practice Program (all ECS students) or UTD Career Center (all other students).
• The work experience must be integral to your established curriculum.
• A student is not eligible for CPT in their current academic program if they have requested to extend their I-20 end date.

CPT Application Process

• Visit the UTD Jonsson School Industrial Practice Program (all ECS students) or UTD Career Center (all other students) and follow their instructions on finding an internship.  Work with them to receive a “CPT Approval Letter.”
• Bring the CPT Approval Letter to the International Student Services Office and submit it with a CPT request form. Complete CPT requests received in the ISS Office by 4:00 PM will be ready for pick up the following day by 12:00 PM.
• Come to the ISS Office to pick up your new I-20 with the CPT authorization printed on the back.  Your CPT approval will be listed on page three of your new I-20, and will list your employer, dates of employment, and full or part time approval.  You are not allowed to work until you have your CPT I-20 and the CPT beginning date has arrived!  If you are not eligible for CPT, an International Student Advisor will attempt to contact you by phone or e-mail.
• Bring your CPT I-20 to your employer to verify your work eligibility.  Make sure that you do not work past the last day on your CPT I-20 authorization, found on page two of your I-20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

CPT provides employment or training opportunities for students while they work on a degree.  It is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the International Student Services Office, and is usually for a period of a semester.

OPT provides employment or training opportunities for students after they complete a degree.  It is authorized by the U.S. Immigration Service and lasts up to one year.  Attend one of the ISS Office OPT workshops for more information.

Can I get CPT authorization first and then find a job?

No.  CPT work authorization is granted for a specific employer and for a specific period of time, usually corresponding to a semester.

Will my CPT time affect my Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation? 

Full-time CPT may total one year without affecting OPT. Full-time CPT that continues for more than 12 months makes the student ineligible for OPT.  Part-time CPT does not affect a student's eligibility for OPT. 

Can CPT be authorized for either full-time or part-time?

CPT may be either full or part-time. Part-time CPT is limited to 20 hours or less per week.  Full-time CPT is anything more than 20 hours per week.

When may I pick up my CPT authorization (on form I-20) and when can I start working?

Complete CPT requests received in the ISS Office by 4:00 PM will be ready for pick up the following day by 12:00 PM. You may not begin working until your I-20 has been authorized and picked up from the International Student Services Office.  Any work done before CPT is approved is unauthorized employment and a violation of your F-1 status. 

If I am doing a CPT extension or a continuing CPT, do I need to be reauthorized? 

Yes.  Turn in your application ten days or more before your current CPT expires.  You may pick up your CPT extension on the same schedule as listed above.

May I reduce my enrollment while on CPT?

• Part-time CPT requires full-time enrollment at school during any long semester or first semester in a new program.
• If you are participating in a full-time CPT for the majority of the semester (11 weeks or longer), you are able to reduce your enrollment for one semester.  For that semester, your enrollment in the CPT course is considered a full time course load and you do not need to take additional coursework to maintain your F-1 status.  HOWEVER:  You may NOT enroll for two consecutive long semesters (Fall and Spring or Spring and Fall) of CPT at this reduced course load.  After a reduced course load for either Fall or Spring, you must be enrolled for a full-time course load the following Spring or Fall semester unless you have received prior ISS Office approval for reduced enrollment based on another immigration service approved reason.  Please Note: The academic program in which you participate may require you to maintain full-time enrollment while participating in CPT.  Please see your academic advisor for this information. 

What other things should I know about reduced enrollment while on CPT?

You may not defer your graduation by working in a full-time internship.  You may not extend your I-20 due to CPT participation.

Do I have to register for a CPT course?

Your CPT authorization is based on course credit for your internship or co-op program.  If you withdraw from your CPT course, you are not authorized to work and you may be in violation of your F-1 status.  In addition, if you fail a CPT course, you are no longer eligible for CPT authorization through the UTD ISS Office for future semesters.

May I work on campus while doing a CPT?  May I keep my graduate teaching or research assistantship?

No, you may not work an additional job while you are participating in a CPT assignment.

Where are CPT students working?

UTD F-1 students have worked in high profile companies and research centers across the U.S. over the past year. Some noteworthy companies in which UTD F-1s are working are: Alcatel, American Express Financial Advisors, Dell Computer Corporation, EDS, Halliburton Investor Relations, Hewlett-Packard, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Research Center, Nortel Networks, Proctor and Gamble, Sabre Holdings, Samsung Telecommunications America, Texas Instruments Incorporated, and Verizon.  If you are interested in doing an internship as an F-1 student, please visit the Career Center or IPP Office to attend an Internship Information Session.