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International Student Services

  1. Whitworth University
  2. CMS
  3. Administration
  4. International Student Services
  5. Curricular Practical Training Overview

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is defined by the U.S. government as "practical training that is a required component of a student's academic degree program." CPT is approved solely by a DSO official at Whitworth and does not require government processing or a fee.

CPT "practical training" can include:

  • Off-campus employment
  • Internship (paid or unpaid)
  • Practicum
  • Clinical
  • Student teaching

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements before applying for CPT:

  • Are currently in valid F-1 status
  • Have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
    • "One academic year" at Whitworth is defined as two academic semesters.
    • Students who transferred to Whitworth from a previous college or university in the U.S. may count their time at the previous school.
  • The internship/practical training is REQUIRED for your major
    • IMPORTANT: Immigration regulations have recently changed regarding CPT. Only students whose academic major requires an internship in order to fulfill a mandatory degree requirement are eligible for CPT.
    • Consult your faculty adviser or the Academic Catalog to verify your major's requirements.
  • Have a job or internship offer
    • Do not start the job/internship before your CPT is authorized by a Whitworth DSO official (see the CPT Guide below for a list of DSO officials).

Review the CPT Guide

The following CPT Guide document will give you details on the CPT process and step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Refer to this resource as you read the additional information below.

CPT Guide

CPT Credit Requirement

  • You must earn credit (minimum 1.0 credit) for CPT.
  • The credit must be earned in the same academic term for which the CPT is authorized (i.e., you cannot earn credit in spring semester for CPT done in fall semester).

CPT Hours

CPT authorization can be:

  • Part-time (20 hours per week or less)
  • Full-time (more than 20 hours per week)

Students who accumulate 12 months (365 or more days) of full-time CPT lose their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is extremely rare.
Part-time CPT authorization, or fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT authorization, does not affect OPT eligibility.

How to Apply

Important: Do not start a job or internship until you receive CPT authorization. This authorization will be in the form of a new I-20.

Application Overview:

  1. Obtain job/internship.
  2. Complete the online Internship Contract Form.
  3. Register for the relevant internship course in order to earn credit.
  4. An international student advisor (Whitworth DSO) will review and sign your Internship Contract Form and update your immigration record with the CPT approval.

After CPT Approval

  • Ensure you are registered for academic credit during the term of your CPT.
  • Contact the international office if your CPT changes in any way (change of hours, employer).
  • If your CPT is paid, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)