CPT Work Authorization

Description

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their major or academic program prior to graduation either through employment or an internship.

Types of CPT

There are two types of CPT: required for the academic program and non-required. For CPT that is required, the academic program mandates practical work experience in the field of study to graduate. For CPT that is a non-required part of the program, the practical work experience is for credit and directly related to your field of study.  Most UMW students will fall into the non-required CPT category.

For Non-Required CPT

  • You must have declared a major.
  • Complete a UMW Academic Internship Contract and register for UMW credit (typically 499) during the term you wish to engage in CPT.
  • Be aware that CPT may impact your tuition and fees.

Eligibility

  • You must be in good academic standing and have been enrolled full-time for one year (two semesters).
  • If you are engaged in CPT during the academic year (fall and spring semesters), you must be simultaneously enrolled full-time in order to maintain lawful F-1 status.  The full-time enrollment requirement means that most students have to limit their CPT during the academic year to local jobs or to working for their employer remotely, usually on a part-time basis.
  • You have a job offer.

Employment

  • The work/internship must be related to your major/academic program and fulfill a requirement in your program.
  • The work/internship may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, which take place off-campus.
  • CPT is granted for a specific position, employer, and period.
  • You are not required to obtain work authorization to engage in bona fide (legitimate) volunteer activities.
    • You cannot receive any form of taxable income from your volunteer activity.
    • If the volunteer position is one for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone, you may work there only with all necessary employment authorization.

Effect on Other Employment

  • During the fall and spring semesters, you may not work more than a total of 20 hours per week. Thus, if you are working on campus 12 hours per week during the semester, the CIE will only authorize CPT for 8 hours per week.
  • During official university breaks, all students are eligible for full-time CPT with the endorsement of the academic advisor.

CPT and OPT

You can use an unlimited amount of part-time CPT and still get 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion of studies. However, if you use more than 12 months of full-time (over 20 hours per week) CPT work, you will no longer be eligible for OPT.

CPT Request Form

  • CPT Instructions

    Students in F-1 visa status must receive CPT authorization from CIE in order to engage in any type of alternate work/study, internship, or practicum BEFORE your work begins! CPT authorization is noted directly on page two of a new I-20. You should submit your CPT request to CIE at least a week before your employment begins. There is no cost to apply for CPT.
  • CPT may occur during your final semester, but the CPT related credits cannot be the only credits on your schedule.
  • I will engage in CPT during:
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their major or academic program prior to graduation. As such, the work must be related to your major/academic program and fulfill the requirements of a course in your program.
  • I understand the CPT requirements and agree to the terms set forth in this form. I understand for CPT that is a non-required part of the program, the practical work experience is for credit and directly related to my field of study. To receive UMW credit for an internship, I will complete an Academic Internship Contract and register for UMW credit (typically 499) during the term I engage in CPT. I am aware that CPT may impact my tuition and fees.

  • Next Steps

    CIE will review your request and consult the Office of Career and Professional Development to ensure you have a completed Academic Internship Contract on file. CIE will email you within 10 business days to confirm whether CPT is approved and provide you with an updated I-20.