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  4. Curricular Practical Training Overview

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is practical training directly related to your academic major/field of study. CPT is approved solely by the Whitworth Office of International Education and does not require government processing or a fee.

CPT "practical training" can include:

  • Off-campus employment
  • Internship experience (paid or unpaid)
  • Practicum participation
  • Student teaching

Review the CPT Workshop

The following CPT Workshop document will give you details on the CPT process and step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Refer to this resource as you read the additional information below.

CPT Workshop

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements before applying for CPT:

  • Are currently in valid F-1 status
  • Have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
    • "One academic year" at Whitworth is defined as two academic semesters.
    • An exception to the academic year rule is given to graduate students whose programs require immediate participation in CPT. The program requirement must be for all students in the program and approved by a faculty advisor.
    • Students who transferred to Whitworth from a previous college or university in the U.S. may count their time at the previous school.
  • Will earn academic credit for the CPT if occurring in the fall or spring semester
    • See more details in the "Credit Requirement" section.
    • Consult your academic department/faculty adviser about credits.
  • Have a job or internship offer
    • Do not start the job/internship before your CPT is authorized by the international education office.

CPT Credit Requirement

  • You must earn credit (minimum 1.0 credit) for any CPT that occurs during the fall or spring semester.
  • You do NOT need to earn credit for CPT that takes place during the summer or Jan Term.

CPT during the fall or spring semester:

  • Even if your academic department does not require you to earn credit, immigration regulations require you to earn credit if your CPT is during the fall or spring semester.
  • Important: If your CPT credit does not put you into overload status (over 16.0 credits for the term), you will not have any additional charge to your student account. However, if your CPT credit results in you being over 16.0 credits, you will have an overload fee on your student account. Please contact the student financial services office with any questions.
  • The credit must be earned in the same academic term for which the CPT is authorized (i.e., you cannot earn credit in spring semester for CPT done in fall semester).
  • If you apply for CPT authorization in your final semester, you must register for at least one additional course in addition to your CPT credit. CPT credit cannot be the only credit during your final semester unless it is fulfilling a degree requirement.

CPT Hours

CPT authorization can be:

  • Part-time (20 hours per week or less)
  • Full-time (more than 20 hours per week)

Students who accumulate 12 months (365 or more days) of full-time CPT lose their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is extremely rare.
Part-time CPT authorization, or fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT authorization, does not affect OPT eligibility.

How to Apply

Important: Do not start a job or internship until you receive CPT authorization from the international education office. This authorization will be in the form of a new I-20.

Application Overview:

  1. Obtain job/internship.
  2. Contact the career center (HUB first floor) and provide them with your hire letter.
  3. Complete the Internship Agreement Form the career center will give to you.
  4. Contact your faculty advisor to confirm credit earning (if CPT occurs in fall or spring semester).
  5. Contact ISS (iss@whitworth.edu) and provide us with your completed Internship Agreement Form.
  6. ISS approves CPT in your immigration record in SEVIS & generates new I-20.

After CPT Approval

  • Ensure you are registered for academic credit during the term of your CPT.
  • Contact the international office if your CPT changes in any way (change of hours, employer, job duties).
  • If your CPT is paid, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)