Curricular Practical Training

Current Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizes an F-1 student to engage in compensated training that is integral to or required for the academic program. ISSS issues CPT authorizations which specify the employer, site of activity, and start and end dates authorized during the training. This information appears on the I-20. ISSS cannot authorize CPT for ongoing employment.

Eligibility

Academic Rationale:

  • Training is either required by academic program or is an integral part of it
  • DU can authorize CPT for one of the following reasons:
    1. The training is required for the student’s degree (NOTE: This must be documented in an official university publication).
    2. The training will provide research or training that is necessary for the student’s approved thesis or dissertation.
      • For doctoral students to be eligible for CPT based on dissertation, student must have achieved "ABD (all-but-dissertation)" or "Advanced to Candidacy" status in your degree program. Typically, this means you have completed all coursework and passed any required exams and are only working on dissertation writing and research.
    3. The training is required for an internship/experiential learning course for which the student will register. (NOTE: Independent Study is not eligible for CPT).

Training Position Requirements:

  • Training must be related to major, NOT concentration or minor
  • Have an offer of training that is paid/compensated

Individual Requirements:

  • Currently in valid F-1 status (see Maintaining Immigration Status)
  • Good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or above for undergraduate students, 3.0 or above for graduate students)
  • Enrolled full-time in the U.S. in a valid immigration status for at least one academic year prior to the training start date*

*Regulations require one full academic year of study in the U.S. in a valid immigration status before a student may engage in CPT except when enrolled in graduate level studies where immediate CPT is required of all students engaging in the program. In these instances, CPT is allowed in the first year of study.

Application Process

All CPT requests must be submitted in the Control Center Tab of the ISSS Portal. Before submitting the request, read the information below.

There are two routes for students to apply for CPT, depending on your academic department. If you are unsure of which route is appropriate for your program, please contact your academic advisor.

  • Directly Through Department
    1. Student consults with academic advisor to discuss opportunities for training related to the major.
    2. Student receives training offer and training letter from training provider. See Sample Training Letter
    3. Student provides academic advisor with the CPT academic advisor form to complete, academic advisor returns the completed form to student.
    4. Student enrolls in internship/experiential learning course if required 
    5. Student submits CPT Request in the ISSS Portal.
      Note: If internship/experiential learning course registration is required, do not submit the CPT request until the course appears on your course schedule for the term.
    6. ISSS advisor reviews request. Allow 3-5 business days for processing.
    7. If approved, student receives updated I-20 with CPT authorization dates listed on page 2. 
    8. Student can begin training on the start date of CPT as listed on page 2 of the I-20.
  • Through Pioneer Careers Online (PCO)
    1. Student meets with academic advisor to discuss opportunities for training related to your major.
    2. Student receives training offer and training letter from training provider. See Sample Training Letter
    3. Student submits training opportunity in Pioneer Careers Online (PCO) to be approved by academic advisor and enrolled in the internship/experiential learning course.
    4. After receiving email from PCO with PDF file attached confirming course registration, student submits CPT Request in the ISSS Portal.
    5. ISSS advisor reviews request. Allow 3-5 business days for processing.
    6. If approved, student receives updated I-20 with CPT authorization dates listed on page 2. 
    7. Student can begin training on the start date of CPT as listed on page 2 of the I-20.

Duration of Authorization

CPT authorizations are given for one academic term at a time unless required for the degree or for thesis/dissertation. Multiple authorizations may be given throughout your program.

NOTE that CPT authorization based on internship/experiential learning course registration will not cover the entire winter break. Per DU Registrar policy, internship/experiential learning cannot begin more than 2 weeks prior to the academic term start date and must stop no more than 2 weeks after classes end. For example, Fall quarter 2025 internship/experiential learning must end by November 29th and Winter quarter 2026 internship/experiential learning cannot begin before December 22nd.  

Any student who has a training opportunity which could extend from the Fall quarter into the Winter quarter should check with their academic department to determine if there is an internship/experiential learning course available for Winter Interterm to cover this gap. Otherwise, they will need to inform their CPT supervisor of their inability to work during part of the winter break.

Hours Per Week

Your CPT authorization on Form I-20 will indicate whether you are eligible for part-time or full-time training. Part-time is 20 hours a week or less. Full-time is over 20 hours a week. If you have been authorized for part-time training, you may not work more than 20 hours per week. You should speak to your supervisor about the number of hours you will be expected to work each week to ensure you do not exceed the maximum limit.

Full-Time CPT and Impact on OPT Eligibility

Students who are authorized for more than 12 months of full-time CPT at a degree level are not eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at that same degree level. 

Part-time CPT authorization does not impact OPT eligibility.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Application

  • Do I need to apply to USCIS for CPT?

    No. ISSS authorizes CPT.

  • When should I submit the CPT request?

    ISSS recommends starting the application process (see above) at least 2 weeks before the intended start date of the training. This allows for departmental and ISSS processing time. 

    Plan to submit the CPT request in the ISSS Portal at least one week prior to the intended start date.

  • What is the timeline for processing a CPT request?

    After you submit the CPT I-20 request in the ISSS Portal, the review and I-20 issuance process takes 3-5 business days.

  • Can I request that ISSS expedite my CPT request?

    Yes, only when the CPT authorization is required for the degree. Due to volume, we cannot expedite other CPT requests. However, ISSS cannot guarantee an expedite.

  • How do I submit the CPT request in the ISSS Portal?

    Step one: Log in to the ISSS Portal (https://isss.du.edu)

    Step two: Click on "3-Control Center"

    Step three: Click on "Curricular Practical Training" request icon

    Step four: Read the instructions thoroughly for details on what documents are required.

    Step five: Complete required fields and upload documents

    Step six: Click "submit" at the bottom of the request screen

  • Can I submit one request for CPT to continue for multiple terms?

    Most CPT requests must be submitted every quarter. The only ones that can be authorized for more than one term are those required for the degree or required for research/training for approved thesis or dissertation (graduate students, only).

  • When can I start working?

    Only after you have received the new I-20 with CPT authorization and the start date for CPT (listed on page 2) has arrived. Working prior to the start date or after the end date listed on page 2 of the CPT I-20 is a violation of F-1 status and may lead to termination of your F-1 SEVIS record.

  • I applied for CPT late, can the start date be backdated?

    No. Working before CPT is authorized is a violation of F-1 status and may lead to termination of your F-1 SEVIS record.

  • What is the earliest start date for CPT I can request?

    It depends.

    For most students, CPT start/end dates must follow the Registrar's experiential learning guidelines. Per DU Registrar policy, internship/experiential learning cannot begin more than 2 weeks prior to the academic term start date and must stop no more than 2 weeks after classes end. 

    You may only begin working after you have received the new I-20 with CPT authorization and the start date for CPT (listed on page 2) has arrived. Working prior to the start date or after the end date listed on page 2 of the CPT I-20 is a violation of F-1 status and my lead to termination of your F-1 SEVIS record.

    The start date may be earlier and the end date may be later than the Registrar's experiential learning guidelines for students applying for CPT based on thesis/dissertation research or training. 

While on CPT

  • Am I still in F-1 status during CPT?

    Yes.

  • If I am authorized for full-time CPT, do I still need to enroll full-time in classes?

    Usually.

    Full-time enrollment is generally not required during your official vacation term (typically summer). Full-time enrollment is required during all other terms.

  • Can I extend my CPT authorization?

    It depends.

    If you are requesting an extension within the current academic term the CPT is already approved for, contact your academic advisor first, then speak to an ISSS advisor.

    To request to extend your current CPT authorization beyond the term end date, you must apply for CPT reauthorization. Before applying to ISSS, meet with your academic advisor to discuss new academic goals and objectives. You must show new academic goals and objectives for each CPT request to demonstrate progression of learning.

  • Can I shorten my current CPT authorization?

    Possibly. If you complete the training early and the CPT end date on page 2 of the I-20 is in the future, you may email ISSS to request modifying the end date.

  • Can I change employers or positions while on CPT?

    Possibly. CPT is authorized for a specific employer and time frame. With approval from your academic advisor, you may request that ISSSS end the current CPT authorization with the current employer. You must then submit a new CPT request to ISSS for the new employer and time frame.

Other Considerations