International Services Office Mississippi State University
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer

  
Navigation Menu
Spacer
Spacer
 About ISO
  • Staff
  • Mission
  • Contact Info
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
 Admission
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Transfer Eligibility
  • SEVIS Fee
  • Visa Interview
Spacer
Spacer
 Policies/FormsSpacer
Spacer
 Health InsuranceSpacer
Spacer
 ImmigrationSpacer
Spacer
 Tax InformationSpacer
Spacer
 OrientationSpacer
Spacer
 AssociationsSpacer
Spacer
 HomeSpacer
Spacer
Spacer

Spacer
International Services Office Policy

Curricular Practical Training

8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)

Purpose
This handout is designed for students in F-1 status. It will provide the student with information on a type of employment opportunity which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) calls "Curricular Practical Training (CPT)."

Definition of Curricular Practical Training
The USCIS defines "CPT" as employment which is related to the major field of study and is an integral part of the student's curriculum, including: alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. To be considered for CPT, the work must not only be related to the student's major field of study but also must be an integral or important part of his/her studies. For example, training which is required by the student's degree program always meets the requirements. CPT offered by sponsoring employers through a co-op program is also in compliance. If the student has a training opportunity which involves employment, check with the ISO staff to determine if it qualifies as CPT.

Student Eligibility Requirements
  • Employment Which Is a Required Part of the Degree Program
    • If (1) the student is at the graduate level, (2) is maintaining lawful F-1 status, and (3) the proposed employment is a required part of the studies, the student may apply for permission to engage in CPT whenever the program requires the student's participation, even if it is immediately upon beginning his/her studies. Undergraduate students must have completed an academic year of full-time study in order to be eligible for any form of CPT.
  • Employment Which Is Not a Required Part of the Degree Program
    • In order to be eligible to apply for CPT which is not a required part of the study program, the student must (1) be in lawful F-1 status and (2) have been a full-time student for at least one academic year.
  • English Language Students
    • Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for CPT.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Curricular Practical Training
  • Part-Time Training
    • Employment for 20 hours or less per week while also enrolled for classes is considered "part-time" CPT. In this case, the employment authorization on page 3 of the SEVIS Form I-20 will specify permission to engage in "part-time" training, and the student must be careful to limit the work to no more than 20 hours per week in order to maintain lawful F-1 status. While in part-time training, a full courseload is required.
  • Full-Time Training
    • Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered "full-time" CPT. The employment authorization on the SEVIS I-20 will, in this case, specify permission to participate in "full-time" training. While in "full-time" training, the student need not be enrolled for classes in order to maintain F-1 status.
  • Time Limits
    • There is no limitation upon the length of time the student may participate in CPT, but if for twelve months or more, the student will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) (see next paragraph).
Curricular Practical Training and Eligibility for Optional Practical Training
It is important that the student understand that if she/he participates in twelve months or more of "full-time" training, eligibility to apply for twelve months of OPT will be lost. Participation in "part-time" training programs may affect eligibility for OPT after an accrued period of 24 months.

Application and Authorization Procedures
The ISO can help evaluate employment opportunities to make certain that both the student and the job meet the eligibility requirements. If all eligibility requirements are met, an ISO official will authorize either "part-time" or "full-time" CPT on the SEVIS I-20. The student must be careful not to continue employment beyond the date authorized on the SEVIS I-20 unless and until extension to work permission is granted.

Steps for receiving CPT (co-op)
  • Review the ISO Home Page to determine if eligible for CPT
  • If eligible, set appointment with ISO official for record review, orientation, handouts and ISO clearance sheet
  • Present ISO clearance sheet to co-op official
  • Present sample employer letter to prospective employer (found in handout)
  • Present completed employer letter and co-op paperwork to ISO
  • Check e-mail and/or voice mail for I-20 pickup (normally 5 working days)
  • Present yourself to the ISO for the signing of your new CPT I-20
  • Begin CPT on or after start date and end CPT on or before stop date.
Steps for receiving CPT (internship)
  • Review the ISO Home Page to determine if eligible for CPT
  • If eligible, set appointment with ISO official for record review, orientation and handouts
  • Meet with department academic advisor to discuss internship, seek approval and get signature on CPT memo (found in handout)
  • Inform Graduate Coordinator and receive his/her signature on CPT memo
  • Meet with department sanctioned prospective employer and present sample letter (found in handout)
  • Set appointment with ISO and present departmental and prospective employer letters
  • Check e-mail and/or voice mail for I-20 pickup (normally 5 working days)
  • Present yourself to ISO for the signing of your new CPT I-20
  • Begin CPT on or after start date and end CPT on or before stop date
Employment Eligibility Verification
When ready to work, the student and employer must complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" form (USCIS Form I-9), which the employer retains.

Tax Concerns
In general, F-1 students who have been in the United States less than five years are exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) taxes. Earnings are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Students must file a tax return on or before April 15 of each year. Students may be entitled to a refund of taxes withheld from their wages if the amount of tax owed is less than the amount withheld.

A Note of Caution
While USCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities to be employed while in F-1 status, working without authorization is a serious violation of status. Students should consult with the ISO before taking any employment. It is the student's responsibility to comply with all USCIS regulations that apply to F-1 students. The ISO is responsible for advising and counseling regarding F-1 student responsibilities. This is normally done through one-on-one appointments, the ISO electronic bulletin, the ISO homepage, advertised Question & Answer sessions, Beginning-of-the-Term orientations, and invited speakers. Those who fail to meet their responsibilities may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.

Further Information
Additional information on F-1 employment is available from the ISO. Professional staff can advise about federal regulations governing nonimmigrant student status.
spacer
[ Search MSU - Campus Directory ] 
spacer
Last modified: 03/30/2004 || URL: http://www.iso.msstate.edu/policies/curricular.php
Technical problems, contact the Help Desk.
spacer
Division of Student Affairs