Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their major field of study prior to graduation. CPT is academically driven which means that the experience must either be:
- Required by your major
- You must earn course credit for the experience
CPT should be used for any type of paid or unpaid internship and you must seek approval before beginning the employment. Total employment can be up to 20 hours during the week while school is in session or 40 hours per week during official university breaks.
