What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or "internship", is a temporary authorization for practical training directly related to your major field of study listed on your I-20. "Practical training" can include employment or internship experience (paid or unpaid).  CPT is authorized by the Immigration Services for Student & Scholar (ISSS) office in accordance with F-1 regulations.  

CPT may be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). If you accumulate more than 11 months of full-time CPT authorization, you lose your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT), another type of employment authorization for F-1 students. Part-time CPT, and fewer than 11 months of full-time CPT authorization, does not affect your OPT eligibility.

Curricular Practical Training is intended to be an important element of an educational program. It is not to be seen or used as a convenient means to circumvent employment restrictions.

CPT is employer specific.  Authorization is documented through SEVIS, the federal government data base, for a specific employer at a specific location for a specified period of time.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for CPT if you:

• Are currently in valid F-1 status (active).
• In good academic standing - not on probation, cumulative GPA above 3.00
• Have been enrolled full time in a degree granting program at the University of Dallas, and completed one academic year of curriculum within your program.

 Please note:  "An academic year" for students on the semester calendar is 9 months.  “An academic year” for students on the trimester calendar, is two consecutive trimesters.

CPT Application Steps

1. Confirm that you are eligible for CPT based on the criteria above. 
   
   
2. Secure employment for a future date with an accompanying Offer Letter. 
   • The job offer letter must be on company letterhead and should include:
     • Start date 
     • Your job title and brief job description
     • Confirmation of your employment status (full-time or part-time)
     • Name of your supervisor along with their contact information to include telephone number and email address
3. Complete the CPT Authorization Form. This form requires signatures from: 
   • International Student Services Office
   • Your Faculty Supervisor (full-time faculty member in your area of study)
   • A COB Dean/Associate Dean
   • The Registrar's Office
4. Once the CPT Authorization Form is complete, submit your Offer Letter and CPT Authorization Form to the ISSS office by uploading them to the CPT Application.
   
   
5. After review of your CPT application documents, ISSS will update your SEVIS record and issue you a new I-20 within 2-3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions