Applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (International Students)

Question

What are the requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as a international student?

Answer

1. The process is between the student and USD's Gallagher International Center based on federal regulations and institutional policies.
2. There is no fee for processing the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application.
3. Eligibility for CPT:
   • Students need to be enrolled for one academic year (fall and spring/spring and fall) full time before applying for CPT which may only be allowed before a student’s program completion date (program end date on an I-20).
4. The CPT needs to be integral part of a student’s curriculum and the training directly related to their field of study (major/graduate program), per federal regulations.
5. At USD students need to be enrolled in an internship course in the term that they are having their CPT.
6. A new CPT request form is needed for each term that the CPT is needed for.
7. The following documents are required to be emailed to our office (isso@usd.edu) for review as part of the CPT request:
   • USD CPT form (filled out by the student and their academic advisor)
   • Copy of an employment/training offer on company letterhead (employment dates, work hours per week, duties, supervisor name, employment site information, etc. to be listed on the offer) signed by the designated authority.
8. CPT can be part-time during the spring and fall term (20 hours or less per week) and full-time during summer (more than 20 hours per week).
9. CPT will not be allowed in a student’s last term of their program unless an internship/practicum is required for all students in that program per their program’s requirements.
10. The work can be paid or unpaid (volunteer).
11. Students may only work for that approved employer during the approved dates, at the approved employer location.
12. If there will be a change in employment, a new CPT request is needed to be sent for review.
13. 12 months of full time CPT disqualify a student to apply for OPT.
14. Students may apply for CPT at least 2 weeks before the employment start date.
15. If the CPT request will be approved, a new I-20 will be issued to you with the approved CPT on its 2nd page.