The application process is intended to be fairly simple:

  • Obtain a written job offer from the institution where you wish to work. This job offer must be on company letterhead and contain the following information:
    • Job title and description of duties
    • Intended dates of employment (beginning and ending dates)
    • Number of hours of work per week
    • Rate of pay
    • Supervisors name
    • Name and address of the worksite.
  • Take the job offer to your academic advisor to determine how this opportunity relates to your course of study - does it fit into the framework of existing courses (internship courses, thesis research, etc.).
  • Have your academic advisor complete the Academic Advisor Curricular Practical Training Recommendation Form.
  • Complete your CPT Date Selection Form.
  • Drop off your completed application for curricular practical training to the office of International Services or schedule an appointment to meet with one of the immigration advisors.
  • The advisors at OIS will review your request. If your request for CPT is approved, they will update the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and generate a new I-20 indicating approval for this employment. You will be notified of the approval and if necessary asked to come back to ISSS to sign and pickup your new I-20.

 

  • Important Note

    You can only begin work after receiving your OIS Advisor's work authorization endorsement on your I-20 for specific employment each semester. Your I-20 will indicate the start and end date of your employment. You must be careful not to continue employment beyond the end date authorized on your I-20. You may apply for an extension however it must be approved in order to continue working beyond the previously authorized end date.

    When you begin working, you and your employer must complete the I-9 Form, which your employer retains. You will be required to show that the CPT has been authorized on your I-20 and you will also be required to have a social security number.