Curricular Practical Training Online Workshop

1. Curricular Practical TrainingOnline Workshop This is a PowerPoint workshop. When it loads in your browser,click the screens to advance through them.

2. What is CPT? An F-1 Student may be authorized by the DSO (Designated School Official) to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. This off-campus work authorization is known as Curricular Practical Training or C.P.T.

3. Who is eligible for CPT? CPT is available to you if you have: • An offer for an internship or cooperative education experience, which is in your field of study • F-1 status for at least one academic year • Valid immigration documents: • passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future) • I-94 card with the notation, “F-1, D/S” • I-20 • A minimum GPA: • Graduate Student: 3.00+ • Undergraduate Student: 2.00+

4. How many hours can I work? After you have received CPT authorization from IES, you may work… • Part-time (20 hours or less per week) during the semester • Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacation periods

5. How do I apply for CPT? First, in order to apply for CPT, you will need to register for the appropriate academic component. You must be registered for the appropriate credit(s) BEFORE IES can authorize CPT. Please select your status for detailed information on how to register for CPT: • Undergraduate • Master's non-thesis • Master's thesis or Ph.D. student who has NOT completed all required course work • Master’s with thesis who has completed all coursework • PhD student who has completed all coursework

6. The Academic Component You should enroll in one of the following: • Master’s Thesis Research (799) • Doctoral Dissertation Research (899) Note: You can participate in CPT only if the work is required for your thesis or dissertation research.

7. How to apply…. Next, you will need a letter from your academic advisor. The letter must include the following: • That the work is absolutely necessary for the thesis/dissertation • The subject of the dissertation or research project • The relationship between the thesis/dissertation topic and the work • The length of time recommended for the work • Whether the work should be full-time or part-time • How to apply continued

8. The Academic Component You should enroll in one of the following: • UNIV099 - Internship Seminar offered by the Career Center • ENCO099/098 - for all engineering and telecommunications students. Offered by the Engineering Co-op & Career Services • An internship course offered by various departments • An independent study course in which a professor would oversee the student's work experience. IES would need a letter from this professor that includes the following: • Why the course is essential to the student's program • The relationship between the course and the work • Why the employment is necessary • How the student's work will be evaluated

9. How to apply… Next, obtain a job offer letterfrom the employer. The letter, on official letterhead, must include the following: • Specific beginning and ending dates of internship • Number of hours per week • Address of the workplace • Compensation • Job description (job title and a 2-3 sentence description about how CPT is related to your field of study) • Supervisor’s name during the internship • The term “internship” or “co-op” • A statement that the employer understands the experience is for the student's thesis or dissertation (for those students who have completed all required course work)

10. How to apply…. Lastly, make an appointment with an IES advisor • At this appointment, the IES advisor will review your documents and immigration status and if eligible, authorize your CPT. You will receive a new I-20 that shows your CPT authorization on the 3rd page. • You should bring the following items to your appointment: • Job offer letter • Passport & I-94 card • Proof of registration in an academic component • Learning contract (for UNIV099) or the supervisor and student agreement (for ENCO099) • If you are a Master’s w/thesis or PhD student who has completed all coursework, a letter of support from your academic advisor (for 799, 898, or 899)

11. Limitations • USCIS created CPT so that you may participate in an internship in your field of study. CPT is NOT to be used for the primary purpose of facilitating employment • While on CPT, you must be enrolled full-time during the semester. Enrollment in UNIV or ENCO (no credits) does not count towards your full-time enrollment • Students in their final semester of study cannot participate in full-time CPT • Students who have recently transferred or started a new program in a different field of study cannot participate in CPT until they have completed one semester at UMCP or in the new program • Students who participate in 12+ months of full-time CPT become ineligible for OPT. IES recommends that students do not exceed 11 months of CPT if they want the option of OPT later

12. Thank you for taking the IES CPT online workshop To request an appointment to process your C.P.T., please call (301) 314-7740.