Close Menu

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is employment or practical training directly related to your academic major/field of study. CPT is approved solely by the Whitworth Office of International Education. You must request to meet with an international student advisor by emailing iss@whitworth.edu.

CPT "practical training" can include:

  • Employment
  • Internship experience (paid or unpaid)
  • Practicum participation

Review the CPT Workshop

The following CPT Workshop 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 Workshop

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.
    • An exception to the academic year rule is given to graduate students whose programs require immediate participation in CPT. The program requirement must be for all students in the program and approved by a faculty advisor.
    • Students who transferred to Whitworth from a previous college or university in the U.S. may count their time at the previous school.
  • Will earn academic credit toward your degree for the CPT experience
    • See more details in the "Credit Requirement" section
    • Consult your academic department/faculty adviser about credits
  • Have a job or internship offer
    • Do not start the job/internship before your CPT is authorized by the international education office.

CPT Credit Requirement

CPT can only be authorized when it is "integral to your academic degree program."

This means that CPT must be:

  • Required for all students in your degree program for graduation or
  • Optional and credit-bearing

Credit requirement for optional CPT:

  • Even if your academic department does not require you to earn credit for optional training/work experience, immigration regulations require you to earn credit. The credit amount can be as low as 1.0 credit.
  • IMPORTANT: Earning credit means that there will be a tuition charge billed to your student account during the term in which you complete the CPT. For many students, this is the summer term. Whitworth provides a one-time waiver of 1.0 credit for international students who do CPT during the summer after their sophomore or junior year. Please note that any tuition charge not covered by this one-time waiver is the student's financial responsibility to pay.
  • The credit could be internship credit, independent study or similar course through your academic department – your faculty advisor can help identify the appropriate course.
  • The credit must be earned in the same academic term for which CPT is authorized.
  • If you apply for CPT authorization in your final semester, you must register for at least one additional course in addition to your CPT credit. CPT credit cannot be the only credit during your final semester unless it is fulfilling a degree requirement.

CPT Hours

CPT authorization can be:

  • Part-time (20 hours per week or less)
  • Full-time (more than 20 hours per week)
  • During a regular academic semester (you must also register for full-time credits)
  • During Jan Term or the summer break period

Students who accumulate 12 months (365 or more days) of full-time CPT lose their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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 from the international education office. This authorization will be in the form of a new I-20.

Application Overview:

  1. Obtain job/internship
  2. Contact the Center for Career and Professional Development (HUB 1st floor) and provide them with your hire letter
  3. Complete the internship agreement career services will give to you
  4. Contact your faculty advisor to confirm credit earning for CPT experience
  5. Contact ISS (iss@whitworth.edu) and provide hire letter and confirmation of credit (email or letter from advisor)
  6. ISS approves CPT in your immigration record in SEVIS & generates new I-20

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, job duties)
  • If your CPT is paid, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

Social Security Number (SSN)

International students employed in the U.S. must have a Social Security number in order to be paid.

How to Apply

  1. Once you are offered a job for your CPT, print your official job offer letter from your employer.
  2. Apply in person at the local Social Security Administration office.
    Address: 714 N Iron Bridge Way, Suite #100, Spokane, WA 99202
    (Contact office to verify operating hours: 800.772.1213.)
  3. Documents to bring: