Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of their degree program.
CPT is only available in the following circumstances:
- The employment (internship, practicum, clinical experience, student teaching) is a degree requirement for all students and is listed on the individual plan of study located in the University Academic Bulletin
- The employment is part of an internship elective and the student will be earning academic credit, contributing to the required credits to complete their degree.
- The employment is part of the Jaggar Community Fellows Program
Students interested in off-campus employment to get real-world experience or to build your résumé must obtain Pre-completion Optional Practical Training.
Types of CPT
A structured, supervised, career-related work experience that may be paid or unpaid. Internships are either a degree requirement or an elective through which academic credit is earned and applied toward degree completion.
A required, course-based, supervised field experience fully integrated into academic coursework. Practica allow students to observe and document the practical application of skills in a professional setting.
A required, hands-on learning experience in health-related fields (e.g., nursing, social work, counseling) where students practice under licensed supervision to meet accreditation and/or licensure requirements.
A supervised, community-based or service-oriented learning experience (e.g., student teaching, classroom observation, social work, environmental studies) that integrates academic theory with professional practice in a real-world setting.
A supervised, course-integrated setting where students apply scientific methods and techniques to experiments, data collection, and analysis. These hours are required to meet the learning outcomes of the course and degree program.
Utilized for students participating in the Jaggar Community Fellows Program, where a student is employed at an off-campus location through educationally affiliated contractual relationships with several nonprofit organizations.
Eligibility for CPT
- Have an offer of employment that qualifies for CPT, which includes a required internship, earning academic credit toward your degree, or through the Jaggar Community Fellows program.
- Be receiving academic credit for the employment per the established Credit Hour Policy in the same term as the practical training.
- Have been a full-time student in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (not studying English as a second language).
- Be making normal progress toward degree completion and be in good academic standing.
- Are not studying English as a second language.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time CPT
CPT can be granted on a part-time or full-time basis. During the academic year, CPT is limited to part-time (no more than 20 hours per week). Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) is generally available to students only during the summer break or when full time practical training is required by the academic program.
If you use 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT.
How to Apply for CPT
F-1 students must follow the steps below to apply for CPT authorization. CPT must be an integral part of your academic program and must be authorized before you begin any off-campus internship or practical training.
Step 1: Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your academic or faculty advisor to confirm:
- You are eligible for an off-campus internship based on your program’s plan of study,
- The internship is either a required component of your degree or an elective for which you will earn academic credit,
- The internship contributes to the credit hours required to complete your degree.
Step 2: Secure an Internship and Obtain an Offer Letter
You must obtain a placement with an employer through a cooperative agreement with Adelphi University. Request a formal offer letter from your employer that includes all of the following:
- Employer name and address
- Supervisor’s name and contact information
- Internship start and end dates
- Number of hours per week
- Type of training and a description of duties
Step 3: Register for the Appropriate Course
You must register for the internship or practicum course in the same term in which you are applying for CPT. The number of credits must comply with the University’s Credit Hour Policy.
Step 4: Submit Your CPT Request
Log in to the International Services Portal and complete the CPT request form. You must upload:
- A copy of your employment offer letter, and
- Proof of course registration for the related internship/practicum course.
- Important: Submit your CPT request before the last day to add an internship course, as listed in the University Academic Calendar.
Step 5: Departmental Review and Recommendation
After you submit your CPT request:
- Your academic or faculty advisor will review the proposed internship and confirm it meets the academic requirements for CPT.
- The department’s approval is required before International Services can proceed.
Step 6: International Services Review and Authorization
A Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Services will:
- Review your application for compliance with CPT regulations,
- Authorize CPT if all requirements are met, and
- Issue a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization listed on page 2.
You will be notified by email once your CPT I-20 is ready.
Reminder: You must receive CPT authorization on your I-20 before beginning any employment. Working without prior authorization is a violation of your F-1 status.
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point in the process, please contact International Services.
