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International Student Services

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  2. Administration
  3. International Student Services
  4. Curricular Practical Training Overview

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is defined by the U.S. government as "practical training that is an integral and 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

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

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 for the CPT
    • 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 a Whitworth DSO official (see the CPT Guide above for list of DSO officials).

CPT Credit Requirement

  • You must earn credit (minimum 1.0 credit) for CPT.
  • Important: If your CPT credit does not put you into overload status (over 16.0 credits for the term), you will not have any additional charge to your student account. However, if your CPT credit results in you being over 16.0 credits, you will have an overload fee on your student account. Please contact the student financial services office with any questions.
  • 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).
  • 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)

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