Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

During the program of study at UCR, F-1 students may choose to work or intern off-campus by obtaining temporary work authorization called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the ISS office. The CPT employment/internship position (paid or unpaid) must be an integral part of an established curriculum for the program of study.

CPT Eligibility

• Must be in valid F-1 status
• Must have completed one academic year as a full-time student (with the exception of certain programs)
• Must currently be enrolled in a full-course load of study (with the exception of the summer)
• Must be enrolled in the internship course 

Types of CPT

• Degree Requirement CPT: It is when a degree program requires the student to complete an internship in order to graduate. 
  • Only certain UCR programs requires an internship to graduate.
• Thesis/Dissertation Students: internship is for required research/data collection that is directly related and integral to the thesis/dissertation. The student is unable to complete their degree without it and it is not reasonably replaceable by an alternative method or data collection process.

CPT Requirements

• Position must be related to your field of study
• Must receive CPT authorization before starting any employment/internship
• 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Details on CPT Eligibility and Requirements can be found at  ice.gov/sevis/practical-training

Part-Time CPT

During the academic term (Fall, Spring, Winter quarters), all F-1 students may only work part-time CPT which is 20 hours or less per week. PHD students who have advanced to candidacy may be eligible to work full time in certain circumstances.

Full-Time CPT

During Summer quarter and school breaks, students may work full-time CPT which is more than 20 hours per week.

Applying for CPT

1. Attend a CPT Workshop or read CPT Policy and Eligibility Guidelines.
2. Secure a practical training learning experience (internship) that is required for your degree program.
3. Receive an offer letter from your employer (see Offer Letter Template and Employer Information) and complete a Cooperative Agreement. You, your academic department, and your employer must all complete this cooperative agreement.
4. Enroll in required coursework as outlined by your academic department. This is typically internship course 198-I (for undergraduates) and 298-I or 398-I (for graduate students).
5. Secure a signed letter from your department on departmental letterhead confirming the required CPT.

   
   Letter requirements (non-thesis/dissertation stage students)

   • A description of the required practical training and how it directly relates to the student's major field of study.
   • Confirmation that the training is required and integral to the curriculum.
   • Confirmation that all students in the program need this practical training experience in order to complete their degree. Reference where this is indicated in the UCR course catalog
   • Confirmation that the student has not already completed this requirement.
   • Signature of academic advisor, graduate program coordinator, or supervising faculty, including name, title and date.

   
   Letter requirements for thesis/dissertation stage students who require CPT for data collection

   • A description of the thesis/dissertation topic or area of research.
   • A description of the methodology to be utilized and how it informs the thesis/dissertation topic.
   • Confirmation that this data collection is required for the completion of the thesis/dissertation.
   • Confirmation that there are no alternative methods to this data collection process.
   • The beginning and end date for the data collection activity along with the anticipated thesis completion date or an anticipated defense date for dissertation.
   • Signature of the supervising Faculty Advisor or the Faculty Principal Investigator (PI), including name, title and date.
      

6. Complete the CPT Request Form. For thesis and dissertation stage students, this form should be signed by your principal investigator (PI) or supervising faculty member. For other students who are applying for CPT to meet a degree requirement, we will also accept signatures from your Academic Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator.

   • Please consult with your department if you have any questions regarding the most appropriate person to sign the form.

7. Submit the CPT Request Form along with the following supporting documents by emailing them to the ISS office at internationalstudents@ucr.edu.

   • Completed Cooperative Agreement
   • Offer Letter (See Offer Letter Template and Employer Information)
   • Signed Letter on Departmental Letterhead confirming the required CPT
   • Proof of enrollment in CPT internship course
   • Completed CPT Request Form

The ISS office will review your application and a Designated School Official (DSO)/International Student Advisor will authorize CPT on page 2 of your I-20 Form if everything is in order. We will send you an updated copy of your CPT I-20 to your UCR email address. Do not begin working until you receive your CPT authorization.

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

If you do not already have a social security number, you may apply for one upon receiving your CPT I-20 at your local Social Security Administration office. 

For More Information

Make an appointment with an International Student Advisor by contacting the ISS office:

Phone: 951-827-4113
Email: internationalstudents@ucr.edu
 

Resources

• Visit Study in the States page, “Training”