International Student Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that allows F-1 students to participate in paid off-campus internships. CPT is defined as an “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” CPT must be related to your major and an integral part of the school’s established curriculum.

Here is an overview of the authorization process:

1. Talk with Career Development and your academic advisor
2. Talk with a DSO about immigration regulations
3. Complete the CPT Recommendation Form with your advisor (see below)
4. Obtain an offer letter from your employer
5. Send your Recommendation Form and a copy of offer letter to DSO
6. DSO will issue a new I-20 with CPT authorization

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a way for you to gain one year of work experience in the US before returning to your home country. International Engagement holds an info meeting early each Spring semester to go over the application process and answer any of your questions. 

For OPT and paid CPT experiences, you will need a Social Security Number in order to receive wages both off and on-campus.

The ISS Team can help you obtain a Social Security Number. We offer one trip per semester to the Social Security office for students who want to apply.