What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?How is CPT part of the curriculum?CPT Dates and Weekly HoursHow To ApplyAfter Your CPT is ApprovedInterstride (International Student Job Search, Networking Portal)

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 visa benefit that allows students to participate in off campus internship, work, clinical placement or other experiential learning that is a required part of your academic program and directly related to your academic major. CPT must be authorized for both paid and unpaid experiences. CPT can only be granted when the internship/training is an integral part of the established curriculum and required for all students in the major/degree program.   In some cases, on-campus internships must also be authorized by CPT.

CPT is authorized by ISSS and must be approved by ISSS BEFORE your internship or placement begins. Apply at least two weeks in advance of your internship/placement start dates.

How is CPT part of the curriculum?

CPT can be granted for internships/clinical placements/practicums that are required for all students in the major/program and are necessary to graduate. Internships that are required to graduate must appear or be added to your plan of study. CPT must be directly related to your major field of study.  Internships required for a minor, or in an unrelated subject, are not eligible for CPT.  ISSS will not authorize CPT for work teaching at other Universities, unless your program explicitly requires such teaching as part of the degree  program. 

Students are only eligible for CPT if their internship or experiential learning  is considered academic work, required for all students in the degree/major, and will not delay completion of the degree program.   Unless your program requires an internship milestone for all students, you will need to enroll in an internship course earning credit for your degree in order to be eligible for CPT. 

CPT Dates and Weekly Hours

You must have been enrolled on a full time basis for two academic semesters before you will be eligible for CPT authorization.

If your internship is for academic credit, your internship is restricted to the following dates:

Work hours are determined by the academic requirements of your course or degree requirement; there are no minimum or maximum work hours permitted while on CPT.  CPT will either be granted as part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full time (more than 20 hours per week). You are required to abide by the terms CPT authorization.

If you have other on-campus employment or pre-completion OPT, you may concurrently work using CPT. CPT hours do not count toward the maximum 20‐hour per week employment restriction during the academic year, because the work is part of your academic curriculum.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: You will need to get permission from the University to hold a graduate assistantship and engage in an internship opportunity while on CPT. GA work cannot be done remotely.  You must be present at UConn if you hold an assistantship.  

Students who have been authorized for one year of full time CPT in a given degree level (including other schools or programs attended) will not be eligible for OPT at that same degree level.

CPT cannot be extended. If you have been offered the opportunity to stay on with your internship provider, the new period of internship must be authorized as either OPT (pre- or post-completion) or as a new CPT authorization to fulfill a new course or degree requirement.  Please plan accordingly.

How to Apply