Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to pursue off-campus employment that aligns with the major listed on the students I-20. Students must obtain CPT authorization (for both paid and unpaid employment) prior to beginning employment.

 

Eligibility:

  • Student must receive course credit for the employment or employment must be a required component of the degree program.
  • Student must complete two consecutive long semesters in F-1  status before they may begin CPT. The only exceptions are as follows:
    • Graduate students enrolled in a program that requires immediate participation in an internship are eligible to apply for CPT in their first semester.
    • Students in active F-1 status at another institution who transfer their SEVIS record to UT Austin after having completed at least two long semesters of enrollment in full-time studies are eligible to apply for CPT in their first semester.
    • Students who have been approved for a change of status to F-1 via application to USCIS may count semesters spent in their previous status towards the two-semester eligibility requirement for CPT.
  • Student must be in good academic standing with the university.
  • Student must have an employment offer.
  • Employment must be related to the student's field of study listed on the I-20.

Special Considerations:

  • Regular processing time for CPT is 2 weeks.
  • Employment must be temporary, and may not be used as a bridge to full-time, regular employment.
  • Part-time CPT is classified as 20 hours per week or less. Full-time CPT is more than 20 hours per week.
  • If student accumulates more than 12 months of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
    • It is recommended that student does not exceed 330 days of full-time CPT.
    • Accumulating part-time CPT has no effect on OPT eligibility.
  • CPT authorization is date-specific and employer-specific.
    • Student may only work for the employer and authorization dates listed on the I-20 issued for CPT.
  • Sponsored Students who utilize third-party billing services through Texas Global must first obtain written approval from their program sponsor prior to submitting a CPT request.

Steps to Apply

  1. Visit your Academic Advisor

    Visit your academic advisor to find out if you can take a course for credit or if employment is a required component of your degree program.

  2. Ask Your Employer to Complete the Employment Verification Form

    Once you obtain an employment offer, ask your employer to complete the Employment Verification Form. We strongly recommend that you use our Employment Verification Form to avoid delays in CPT approval. If for any reason your employer cannot complete our form, then request a letter from them - printed on company letterhead - with ALL the following information (missing information will lead to CPT delays or denials):

    • Your full name
    • Your UT EID (optional, but highly recommended)
    • The employer/company name
    • Whether you will be working on-site or remotely
    • The physical work site address where you will conduct your job (if you will be working remotely, then provide the site address where your supervisor works)
    • Your specific start date (mm/dd/yyyy)
      • The start date must be a future date.
    • Your specific end date (mm/dd/yyyy)
    • Your job title
    • A brief job description
    • Maximum number of hours you will work per week
      • Note: If you select 20 or fewer hours, you will be authorized for "part-time" CPT and will not be authorized to exceed 20 hours of work in any week
    • Your supervisor's full name, job title, and signature

    For unpaid internships/training, ask the organization providing the training opportunity to complete the Unpaid Training/Internship Verification Form.

  3. If You Have Any Questions, Schedule an Appointment with an International Student Advisor

    If you have any questions about documents, employment dates, or if you have any other questions about CPT, schedule an appointment with an international student advisor prior to applying for CPT.

  4. Log into myIO

    Once you have your Employment Verification Form or employment letter log into myIO to begin the CPT request process.

  5. Allow sufficient time for approval

    Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks for approval. We will prioritize requests by start date. Requests starting within 3 weeks will be expedited.

  6. Begin Work

    After your CPT has been approved by ISSS you will receive a new I-20. On page 2, the I-20 will list the dates and location of your CPT. You cannot begin working until you have received your CPT I-20.

Frequently Asked Questions