Curricular Practical Training

UCI International Center

What is CPT?
CPT is a type of off-campus
employment that allows F-1 students
to participate in employment offcampus. It is defined as any required
internship that is an integral part of
the established curriculum for a
program of study.

Is CPT for Me?

Discuss with your academic advisor if CPT is for you.
Types of CPT
.

1. Degree Requirement
CPT may be authorized with an internship that is a requirement of a degree program
(i.e. all students in the program must complete an internship to obtain the degree).
Class enrollment in specific course is a requirement.

2. Course Credit
CPT may be authorized for students who enroll in a course that requires employment to
earn a grade, or a course where students design their own research project based on
the employment.

Additional Information
Employment may take place in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. Authorization will be
granted on a quarter-only basis. However, if you wish to work for a period longer than the
last day of the quarter, you must enroll in the next available quarter before authorization
can be extended beyond the current term.

CPT Eligibility
Enrollment in three consecutive
quarters
Job offer in your field of study
Normal degree progress
Enrollment in UCI class that
supplements internship experience.

Curricular Practical Training

(CPT)
With the support of your academic department for, visit our website to
learn more about applying for CPT.

Application Timeline
At least 2-3 months prior to your
anticipated CPT start date
(highly recommended to start early)

1. Discuss with your academic advisor

if CPT is for you
2. Find an employer/company where
you can do this curricular work

Application Timeline
1-2 months prior to CPT anticipated start
date (can be earlier)
1. Enroll in required course. Your academic
advisor will provide you with the course
number/code. The IC is unable to tell you
which class you need to take for CPT.
Obtain an offer letter (on company letterhead)
including address of employer, length of
employment, wages (if applicable),
responsibilities (how it relates to your field of
study), and employers signature

Application Timeline
1-2 months prior to CPT anticipated start
date and NO LATER than 7 business days
prior to anticipated start date
1. Type or clearly handwrite your personal
internship site/employer information on the
CPT Application.
2. Submit your complete CPT application to
the International Center at least 7 business
days prior to the start date of your
internship.

Completing the CPT

Application

Print the CPT

Application

Completing the CPT

Application
Where to Get the
Correct Dates for CPT:

Start date of CPT will be when instruction begins

End date of CPT will be the date the quarter ends.

For current and future CPT dates, visit

the UCI Registrars Calendar:

General Academic Calendar 2014-2015

Summer Session 2014 (except MBA students)
School of Law Academic Calendar 2014-2015

MBA Summer Session: e-mail your academic

advisor as dates are different than the general
academic calendar.

Completing the CPT

Application
Obtain an Offer Letter
Letter must be printed on employers
letterhead
Must include:
Address of employer
Length of employment
Wages (if applicable)
Responsibilities (how it relates to your field of
study)
Employers signature

A Complete CPT Application

1. Complete CPT Application Form

2. Copy of I-94 Card

A Complete CPT Application

Copy of I-94 Card

4. Print out of class enrollment for the

quarter you will be doing CPT

3. Copy of Offer Letter

CPT Submission
1. Turn in your application to the International Center during walk-in
days/hours or by appointment.
CPT Hand-In Sessions are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from
9:00am to 11:00am

2. You will meet with an advisor and your application will be

reviewed. If your CPT application is complete, the adviser will
take your application.
3. Once your CPT is processed come to the International Center
with a photo ID. The IC will issue a new I-20 in 7 business days
with CPT authorization on the 3rd page. The new I-20 will serve as
your employment authorization
4. Present your I-20 to your employer. Now you may legally begin
working.
Note: Starting work before you receive authorization from the IC
is NOT permitted.

CPT Extension
If your authorized CPT requires additional
time (beyond the quarter end date), you can
apply for an extension of the current CPT.
You will need:
A copy of the offer letter with the new dates of
employment
A new CPT application with additional dates and
detailed explanation for additional time needed*
A copy of your I-94
Proof of enrollment (for upcoming quarter)

A Note About the Offer

Letter
If your CPT is going to last
more than 1 quarter, the
letter must state the
proposed dates
Make several copies of your
offer letter
Your internship application
will be done on a quarterly
basis as needed
Example: If your offer is for 6
months, you will apply for one
quarter at a time. This will
require more than one
application at different times

Recommendations

You must have been enrolled in 3 consecutive quarters in

order to be eligible for CPT.
Transfer students from other institutions may be eligible
for CPT the first quarter at UCI; however, an
appointment with an advisor is required
Transfer students who did OPT prior to transferring
are not eligible for CPT during their first quarter
Apply early! Backdating is not permitted
Work with your academic advisor for a timely CPT
application
Fulltime CPT during the academic year is not permitted
You can only start your CPT on the first day of the quarter
not earlier

Thank You!