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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Curricular Practical Training

What is CPT?

Purpose:  Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary employment authorization for International students in
F-1 Student visa status.  CPT allows students to take an off-campus training/internship which is required by the major for a specific period of time

Length:  CPT is semester based and cannot exceed two semesters.  CPT will begin no earlier than the first day of instruction and must end no later than the last day of final exams for the semester.  Undergraduate students will be eligible starting approximately Junior year; Graduate students will be eligible after one academic year.

Internship:  Students must enroll in an internship course. These are usually numbered 495. The internship course should be an integral part of students’ established curriculum. Please note not all majors at CSUSM have internship courses that correspond to CPT. If your major does not have a regularly used internship course (example HD495 or ECON495) you must register for the UNIV495 course. Read more about UNIV495 here: Career Center UNIV495

How to obtain CPT:  Students must request CPT authorization from the Office of Global Education- please complete the following steps and submit all documentation to Global Education at least 2 weeks prior to the anticipated start date of CPT:

  1. Review the Career Center Website to learn about searching for an approved Internship: https://www.csusm.edu/careers/internships/studentinternshipoptions.html. * GR students should also discuss their internship plans with their faculty and GR departments to confirm internship requirements.
  2. Global Education:Online CPT Request Form Must Include 
    • CPT Request Form online – please upload a valid letter from prospective employer/internship site stating terms of CPT as part of the form.
    • Faculty Approval Form – complete with your faculty: include a purpose statement describing how your CPT will relate and be integral to your academic program.
    • A copy of your class schedule showing full time enrollment or approved RCL courses. Your schedule must show the CPT approved course listed on the Faculty Approval Form.
  3. DO NOT BEGIN ANY CPT EMPLOYMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE YOUR CPT I-20 IN YOUR HAND!!
  4. CPT Workshop PDF

General F-1 CPT Eligibility

You must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply for CPT:

  • Be in valid F-1 status
  • Enrolled full-time. Minimum 12 units for undergraduate students or 9 units for graduate students.
  • Fulfilled one year full-time requirement.  You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year prior to submitting an CPT application. Please see CSUSM UG eligibility above.
  • Be in good academic standing. Defined as a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 (Undergraduate students) or 3.0 (Graduate students)
  • Internship offer letter IS required for CPT application process.
  • Enroll in an internship, fieldwork, practicum, cooperative education or other course specifically designed for experiential or practical learning.  To find out if your major has internship requirements and internship class, speak to an academic advisor in your major department.  Please note:
    • The internship course must be in the same semester in which you are employed in the internship position.

Compensation is not a consideration when determining whether an opportunity qualifies as CPT.  Any off-campus internship positions, whether paid or unpaid, requires CPT before you begin the employment. Under no circumstance can you begin working – not even as a volunteer – before your CPT is approved. Volunteering for a position which normally provides compensation is considered “employment” and is therefore not permitted without appropriate authorization.