CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. CPT is an off-campus work authorization for training that is an integral part of your studies. UNA authorizes part-time CPT of 20 hours or less per week. Full-time CPT is authorized only in two circumstances: in summer if the student has no other courses and in fall or spring if the course(s) requires more than 20 hours per week of training. Talk to your DSO.

All work in the US off-campus (paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time) must be authorized by a DSO.

overview of the cpt process

This link is to a recording of the CPT Info Session presented on Friday, March 8, 2024. It is a 57 minute video, however, the main part of the information is presented in about 25 minutes and the remainder is questions that were asked by the audience.

cptvideothumbnail

Click this text to download the CPT Authorization Request Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Download this FAQ by the Office of International Affairs to have a copy of all this information.
Federal immigration regulations state: “An F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum." "Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”

Study in the States: Working in the US

US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement: Practical Training

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: Part 214-Nonimmigrant Classes