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 fulfills a degree requirement. 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. Students may not begin CPT/internship before the course start date or continue CPT/internship after the course end date.
- Ph.D. students and students enrolled in a Master’s program with thesis option 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 Internships - 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).
*Exception: If summer is your final term and you will complete your program or graduate at the end of the summer, these options may not apply. Please follow the CPT requirements for your final term.
Final Semester - 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 your 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). CPT will not be authorized in situations where Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training is more appropriate for training to be done prior to completion of degree.
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 during the upcoming semester? You may submit your CPT request after you have enrolled in the required course.
The ISSS office processes new CPT authorization requests at the end of each semester. Please follow the steps below to complete your request.
Steps to Apply
- Submit your CPT application and upload your documents through the ISSS Portal.
- Request an SS support letter, if needed.
- If you already have an SSN, you only need to request an Employment Letter.
- 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.
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
