Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for Undergraduate Students

As an F-1 international student you may qualify to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

CPT is employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT is defined to be alternative work-study, internship, or cooperative education arranged with the approval of your program, or any type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements. CPT may take place during the academic year and/or in the summer. CPT can only be completed prior to the completion of your course of study. Because USCIS uses a broad definition of employment— any activity for which a student receives a benefit, monetary or otherwise—even unpaid internships require CPT authorization.

For CPT, you must register for an internship course at Baruch College. To register, you must first obtain approval from the faculty advisor responsible for the course. You will receive credit(s) for the internship course and can be paid by the company. Undergraduate students are only eligible for part-time CPT (up to 20 hours per week) during the fall and spring semesters. Undergraduate students may choose to engage in full time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) when school is not in session or during your annual break.

A student who accrues more than 365 days of full-time CPT, becomes ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). A student is then essentially forfeiting his/her OPT. Please Note: The “365-day rule” only applies to full-time CPT. You can accrue part-time CPT without affecting your eligibility for OPT.

If you are authorized to work on campus and also choose to engage in Practical Training (CPT or Pre-OPT), per ICE regulations the total number of hours for the Practical training and on-campus employment can NOT exceed 20 hours while school is in session. You may work full time during periods when school is not in session or during your annual break.

To qualify, the CPT course “must be an integral part of your established curriculum” ISSC must validate to USCIS that the CPT course represents satisfaction of the requirements for your particular degree.

Note that a course offered for the primary purpose of facilitating employment authorization does not qualify for CPT.

Acquiring CPT approval

The followingthree items are required to be completed and submitted to ISSC to process an application for CPT:

• Completed  Faculty Advisor Form
• Offer letter from employer on their official letterhead stating:
  • The starting and ending dates of the placement
  • The number of hours per week (maximum of 20 for part-time CPT)
  • A brief description of duties to be performed
• Proof that you have registered and paid for the internship course

Once the CPT application is complete, ISSC will update the SEVIS record and give you a copy of your SEVIS I-20, authorizing CPT with that employer only. You must be issued the SEVIS I-20 before commencing employment.

Students in F-1 status must have been lawfully enrolled in school on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year before becoming eligible for practical training. CPT must be undertaken prior to the completion of a course of study.

Undergraduate students must maintain good academic standing.

A selection of internship courses available at Baruch

Click below to view some internship options across Baruch’s three schools. If you cannot find an internship course within your field of study, contact your academic department.