Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Overview
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for students to learn practical skills related to their major area of study. Common forms of CPT include paid or unpaid internships, fellowships, and part-time or full-time jobs.
CPT is an integral part of the student’s established program curriculum. Students who complete CPT will earn 1 credit after the course is completed, but neither the CPT course nor the CPT experience is required to graduate.
The CPT policies and procedures set forth by WUST are in full compliance with the regulations propagated by USCIS.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for CPT, you must:
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Have an active F-1 status
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Have completed 1 academic year in a degree awarding program (not an ESL school). This is equivalent to 3 quarters at WUST (or 2 semesters at a semester-based university).
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Be enrolled for a full course of study while engaging in CPT
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Have a CGPA of at least 2.0 (undergraduates) or 3.0 (graduates)
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Be in good academic standing
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Adhere to the ongoing rules and obligations of your F-1 visa
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Clear any outstanding balance (or be in compliance with your payment plan, if you have one).
If you fail to maintain the eligibility requirements once your CPT has been approved, your CPT authorization may be revoked or any extension request may be denied.
WUST offers Day 1 CPT to transfer-in students who have completed one academic year in a degree awarding program, or those who are coming off of OPT and are beginning a new program. Transfer students must provide an official transcript from their previous institution as proof they meet the eligibility requirements.
When to Apply
Eligible students may apply for CPT before the quarter begins. It is strongly recommended students apply for CPT 1-2 weeks before their projected start date so there is enough time for WUST to process the CPT application. The application deadline is the first day of the new quarter.
Late applications may be allowed on a case by case basis, so long as the application is received before the end of the Add/Drop period. Since the CPT course cannot be added to your course load once the Add/Drop period ends, any applications received after that date will be denied.
CPT Quarter | Spring 2024 | Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline: | April 1, 2024 | July 8, 2024 | September 30, 2024 | January 2025 (Exact date TBD) |
Add/Drop period ends: | April 8, 2024 | July 15, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | January 2025 (Exact date TBD) |
How to Apply
Application Materials
There are 2 documents you will need to apply for CPT.
1) Job offer letter
You must obtain a job offer letter before applying for CPT. The letter must have the following:
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Position title
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Job description, duties, and responsibilities
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Start date (end date is not required)
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Number of working hours per week
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Work location (if the position is remote, it must be stated in the letter)
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Supervisor’s name and title
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Supervisor’s email address
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Signed by the employer
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Must be on official company letterhead
2) CPT Application Form
You can download the CPT application form here. Make sure you fill out the form completely.
Once you have both the job offer letter and the completed application form, you can submit your CPT application through the link. CPT Application Upload Form (forms-db.com).
Application Fee
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by Student Services. The CPT fee will be added to your Populi account. You must pay the fee before your application can be approved.
CPT Fees:
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First time CPT application: $420
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All other CPT applications: $75
CPT applications typically take 1 week to process after employment verification has been completed and the CPT fee has been paid.
Important Things to Know
CPT Start Date
Your earliest possible start date is the first day of the quarter you are applying for. You cannot begin CPT before the following dates.
CPT Quarter | Spring 2024 | Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Earliest possible start date: | April 1, 2024 | July 8, 2024 | September 30, 2024 | January 2025 (Exact date TBD) |
Latest possible end date: | January 5, 2025 | March 2025 (Exact date TBD) | June 2025 (Exact date TBD) | September 2025 (Exact date TBD) |
CPT End Date
If your job offer letter provides an end date for the offered employment, you must use that end date on your CPT application.
If no end date is specified on your job offer letter, you may create your own end date or leave the end date blank. If you leave the end date blank, WUST will authorize your CPT employment for the maximum time you are eligible for (up to 3 quarters or until the end of your program, whichever is shorter).
WUST currently authorizes CPT for up to 3 quarters at a time. As the end of your authorization approaches, you may apply for a CPT extension if you choose. An employment verification letter will be required from the employer instead of your original job offer letter.
Full-Time or Part-Time
On your CPT application, you must indicate whether the job is full-time or part-time. There are only 2 options.
Part-time employment: 0-20 hours per week
Full-time employment: 21-40 hours per week
Students are not authorized to work more than 40 hours per week.
Dates of Employment
You cannot begin work until you receive an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on it. You can only work during the dates specified on your I-20, and only for the employer specified on your I-20.
Any work that occurs outside of your authorized CPT is a severe violation of the terms of your F-1 visa, and may result in the loss of your F-1 student status.
Student Responsibilities While on CPT
Students must maintain the following terms in order to stay on CPT, renew CPT, or change employers on CPT:
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Must maintain a CGPA of at least 2.0 (undergraduates) or 3.0 (graduates)
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Must pass the CPT course(s) you are registered for
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Must attend at least two-thirds of your on-campus classes every quarter
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Must stay in good standing, which includes your F-1 status, academic standing, student conduct, and financial standing with WUST.