Eligibility
- Currently be in valid F-1 status.
- Have completed two consecutive full-time semesters (Fall and Spring).
- Be enrolled in a course that includes an internship or experiential learning component and is required for all students in the program. The course must be in the student's major field of study. Certificates, minors, or non-degree programs are not eligible for CPT.
- For second/dual majors, the student must be enrolled for a full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) after declaring the second major before becoming CPT-eligible in the second major.
- CPT authorization dates must match the start and end dates of the internship course, and must not extend beyond the regular FIU semester dates. Students may not begin CPT/internship before the course start date or continue CPT/internship after the course end date. Course dates must follow regular semester dates (not dynamic dates).
- Graduate students are INELIGIBLE for CPT if they have completed all coursework and are registered for thesis or dissertation credits only.
- Transfer students must complete at least one full-time semester (Fall or Spring) at FIU before becoming CPT-eligible. Students transferring directly after OPT must complete two consecutive full-time semesters (Fall and Spring) at FIU before becoming CPT-eligible.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you participate in an internship, experiential learning opportunity, or fee-for-service work, it must be properly authorized and connected to a credit-bearing course that is required for your academic program. Otherwise, the work may be considered unauthorized employment, and this can lead to the termination of the student’s F-1 status, even if the activity is unpaid.
Other considerations regarding CPT:
Fall and Spring Semesters - CPT is restricted to locations within driving distance of FIU campus as USCIS requires physical presence at the campus. CPT can only be done part-time (maximum 20 hours per week).
Summer Term (except final term)- CPT may take place at a work location anywhere in the U.S., and it may be full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
Final Term- If CPT is to be in the final term, including summer, the training site must be within driving distance of FIU campus. In addition, the student must also enroll in an in-person/hybrid course for the entire semester. This course needs to be required for all students in the academic degree program, and the course dates must be concurrent with the entire length of the internship.
Authorization of CPT is at the discretion of ISSS Designated School Officials (DSO).
Violating these requirements may lead to the termination of your immigration status.
Apply for CPT
Planning to participate in an internship, practicum, or co-op work experience during the upcoming semester?
The ISSS office begins processing new CPT authorization requests about a month prior to each semester. Please follow the steps below to complete your request.
Steps to Take
- Check with your academic advisor to determine if practical training is a requirement for all students in your academic program.
- If so, review ISSS website to determine that you meet all other eligibility criteria.
- Enroll in internship course and receive practical training/internship offer.
- Submit your CPT application and upload your documents through the ISSS Portal.
- Request a Social Security letter, if needed. Skip this step if you already have a Social Security Number (SSN).
- Wait for CPT approval.
- Once your CPT request is approved, you will receive an updated Form I-20 with your CPT authorization listed on page 2.
- Begin practical training experience.
Important: Before You Start CPT
You must not begin your CPT until:
- Your CPT authorization has been approved and is listed on your I-20, and
- You have obtained your SSN, if required.
Please make sure both requirements are completed before your CPT start date.
CPT Forms
