Curricular Practical Training

UCI International Center

What is CPT?

CPT is a type of off-campus employment that allows F-1 students to participate in employment off-campus. It is defined as any required internship that is an integral part of the established curriculum for a program of study.

Is CPT for Me?

Discuss with your academic advisor if CPT is for you.

Types of CPT .

1. Degree Requirement– CPT may be authorized with an internship that is a requirement of a degree

program (i.e. all students in the program must complete an internship to obtain the degree). Class enrollment in specific course is a requirement.

2. Course Credit– CPT may be authorized for students who enroll in a course that requires

employment to earn a grade, or a course where students design their own research project based on the employment.

Additional InformationEmployment may take place in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. Authorization will be granted on a quarter-only basis. However, if you wish to work for a period longer than the last day of the quarter, you must enroll in the next available quarter before authorization can be extended beyond the current term.

CPT Eligibility

• Enrollment in three consecutive quarters

• Job offer in your field of study

• Normal degree progress

• Enrollment in UCI class that supplements internship experience.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

With the support of your academic department for, visit our website to learn more about applying for CPT.

Application Timeline

At least 2-3 months prior to your anticipated CPT start date(highly recommended to start early)

1. Discuss with your academic advisor if CPT is for you

2. Find an employer/company where you can do this curricular work

Application Timeline

1-2 months prior to CPT anticipated start date (can be earlier)

1. Enroll in required course. Your academic advisor will provide you with the course number/code. The IC is unable to tell you which class you need to take for CPT.

– Obtain an offer letter (on company letterhead) including address of employer, length of employment, wages (if applicable), responsibilities (how it relates to your field of study), and employer’s signature

Application Timeline

1-2 months prior to CPT anticipated start date and NO LATER than 7 business days prior to anticipated start date1. Type or clearly handwrite your personal

internship site/employer information on the CPT Application.

2. Submit your complete CPT application to the International Center at least 7 business days prior to the start date of your internship.

Completing the CPT Application

Print the CPT Application

Completing the CPT Application

Where to Get the Correct Dates for CPT:• Start date of CPT will be when instruction begins• End date of CPT will be the date the quarter ends.

For current and future CPT dates, visit the UCI Registrar’s Calendar:• General Academic Calendar 2014-2015• Summer Session 2014 (except MBA students)• School of Law Academic Calendar 2014-2015

MBA Summer Session: e-mail your academic advisor as dates are different than the general academic calendar.

Completing the CPT Application

Obtain an Offer Letter• Letter must be printed on employer’s

letterhead• Must include:– Address of employer– Length of employment– Wages (if applicable)– Responsibilities (how it relates to your field of

study)– Employer’s signature

A Complete CPT Application

1. Complete CPT Application Form 2. Copy of I-94 Card

A Complete CPT Application

• Copy of I-94 Card

4. Print out of class enrollment for the quarter you will be doing CPT

3. Copy of Offer Letter

CPT Submission

1. Turn in your application to the International Center during walk-in days/hours or by appointment.– CPT Hand-In Sessions are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from

9:00am to 11:00am

2. You will meet with an advisor and your application will be reviewed. If your CPT application is complete, the adviser will take your application.

3. Once your CPT is processed come to the International Center with a photo ID. The IC will issue a new I-20 in 7 business days with CPT authorization on the 3rd page. The new I-20 will serve as your employment authorization

4. Present your I-20 to your employer. Now you may legally begin working.Note: Starting work before you receive authorization from

the IC is NOT permitted.

CPT Extension

• If your authorized CPT requires additional time (beyond the quarter end date), you can apply for an extension of the current CPT.

• You will need:– A copy of the offer letter with the new dates of

employment– A new CPT application with additional dates and

detailed explanation for additional time needed*– A copy of your I-94– Proof of enrollment (for upcoming quarter)

A Note About the Offer Letter

• If your CPT is going to last more than 1 quarter, the letter must state the proposed dates

• Make several copies of your offer letter

• Your internship application will be done on a quarterly basis as needed– Example: If your offer is for

6 months, you will apply for one quarter at a time. This will require more than one application at different times

Recommendations

• You must have been enrolled in 3 consecutive quarters in order to be eligible for CPT.– Transfer students from other institutions may be eligible

for CPT the first quarter at UCI; however, an appointment with an advisor is required• Transfer students who did OPT prior to transferring

are not eligible for CPT during their first quarter• Apply early! Backdating is not permitted• Work with your academic advisor for a timely CPT

application• Fulltime CPT during the academic year is not permitted• You can only start your CPT on the first day of the quarter –

not earlier

Thank You!