Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• You must have been in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (nine months: two semesters or three quarters) before becoming eligible to apply for CPT. In some cases, full-time study permitted under another status may be used to meet this condition.
• You must be in good academic standing and continue to make satisfactory progress toward your degree requirements.
• You must be a current student. You are not eligible for CPT after completing your University of Rochester degree or program requirements.

All CPT requests are subject to academic approval, even if other eligibility requirements are met. The training activity must achieve a specific academic objective and satisfy an established part of the school’s program.

This falls under one of these categories:

• Registered course credit for the academic activity
• Recognized co-op program listed in the University catalog
• Requirement for all students pursuing a particular degree program

At the University of Rochester, most CPT is tied to course registration (typically credit bearing), that must be extended for each term while the authorization is active. For authorization that extends beyond a single academic term, additional course registration may be necessary.

Your CPT authorization will tell you if it’s part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (no maximum) employment, for a particular employer, dates, and location. You can use CPT multiple times during your studies as long as you meet the academic requirements.

However, it’s important to note that using 12 months (365 days) of full-time CPT will make you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Part-time CPT doesn’t impact OPT eligibility. Students who use less than 12 months of full-time CPT and/or any amount of part-time CPT are still able to apply for F-1 OPT, which is commonly used for work after they graduate.

Working remotely while physically inside the United States is still considered employment and must comply with immigration regulations. This includes remote work for a U.S. based employer as well as for a foreign-based employer. Regardless of where the employer is located, if you are inside the U.S. and engaging in work—even remotely—you must have proper work authorization.

Students requesting CPT for remote positions must maintain detailed documentation to support their eligibility. This includes evidence of an active supervisory relationship throughout the authorized period, as well as a clear explanation of how meaningful professional engagement and immersion was achieved despite working remotely.

For international students conducting internships while physically outside the U.S. with a foreign company or foreign branch of a U.S. company or a U.S. employer U.S. work authorization (CPT or OPT) is not required.

However, it is recommended that your employment offer letter and any additional communication from your employer should clearly state that you will be working from outside the U.S. It’s important to retain this information for your immigration records. In the event of any inquiries regarding your internship, you may explain the arrangement and furnish supporting documentation. Please also note that your U.S. employer may require work authorization (such as CPT) in accordance with their internal hiring policies.

If your internship involves working or training with the foreign company while you are physically in the U.S. , see the section on “CPT Authorization for Remote Positions” since valid U.S. work authorization will be required.

Submit a detailed offer letter on employer letterhead, including:

• Official Employer Name (to be listed in SEVIS)
• Employer’s Address (street address, including US zip code)
• Address of employment, if different from Employer’s Address
• Start Date/End Date, and the expected number of hours per week
• Job title and description of duties

Submit evidence of academic objective, as appropriate.

For most students at the University, internship course registration is required to participate in off-campus employment opportunities. Please talk to your department or school first about the appropriate course registration for your CPT and submit your registration, because it needs to be complete before ISO can process your request. For undergraduate students in the College, please meet with a career advisor at the Gwen M. Greene Center.

All CPTs require one of the following:

• Course credit: Proof of relevant course registration, such as ALC 290 (Eastman), GBA 490 (Simon), 394/494/594 (ASE, Hajim), CAS 394i (UG College), etc.
• Co-op program: Registration or copy of University catalogue with co-op details
• Degree requirement: Copy of University catalogue with degree requirements

It is important to know that CPT cannot be authorized after course requirements, thesis/project or dissertation are completed. Remember, CPT must be an “integral part of an established curriculum”. You are not eligible for CPT if you have completed all degree requirements.

Then, submit ISO’s Request for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) e-form in URcompass. Your academic department will have to review your submission, so you will be prompted to provide the contact information for your correct academic contact in the form.

If you are unsure who the correct academic contact is for CPT in your school, please reach out to your academic advisor or department administrator to confirm.