Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as an "alternative 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." You qualify for CPT as long as it is "an integral part of an established curriculum." CPT must be in your field of study. 

Access an online training course on the CPT process here!!

Curricular PT can be either part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (over 20 hours per week) employment.  In order to qualify for full time CPT during spring or fall semester, you must have at least a 3.0 (Undergraduates) or 3.5 GPA (graduate students).

If you receive 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for Optional Practical Training.

Eligibility:

• You must have completed one full academic year of continuous enrollment in F-1 status

• You must be a degree-seeking student
• For part-time CPT, have an acceptable GPA (2.0 for undergrads and 3.0 for graduate students)
• For full-time CPT, have an acceptable GPA (3.0 for undergrads and 3.5 for graduate students)

• Be currently enrolled full time at CU or have Reduced Course Load Permission OR

• Be enrolled full time for the next consecutive term at CU (for CPT over a vacation period)

DO NOT START WORKING UNTIL YOU HAVE A NEW I-20 AUTHORIZING YOUR CPT.

Download the CPT Instruction Packet:

CPT Instructions/Process

Bring in completed and signed forms to ISSS for processing. Expect the approval or extension process to take 2 weeks -- PLAN AHEAD!