What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
CPT is work authorization for an off-campus internship or practicum that is required as an integral part of an established curriculum.
Am I eligibility for CPT?
According to SEVP guidance, International Student Advisors should authorize CPT “only when the training is an integral part of an established curriculum and is directly related to the student’s major area of study.”
CPT must be a core and essential part of a student's studies, without which, they would be unable to complete the degree.
CPT cannot be authorized solely for the purpose of employment or for experiences that are not required or otherwise formally recognized as part of the academic program.
CPT authorization should be granted only if its absence would make the attainment of their degree an impossibility and if the experiential learning associated with CPT is required for all students pursuing this degree.
When can I apply?
Eligible F-1 students may apply for CPT as soon as they are enrolled for the semester in which they plan to do CPT.
The deadline to apply for CPT is the same as the Add/Drop deadline for the semester. Find the specific date by checking the OU Academic Calendar.
Workshop
Complete the mandatory workshop before you apply for CPT:
1. Login to canvas.ou.edu
2. Click Courses on the left
3. Click All Courses
4. Click Browse More Courses at the top right
5. Search for CPT
6. Click Join this Course for the course labeled ISS CPT Workshop
7. Click Enroll in Course
8. Click Go to Course
CPT is work authorization for an off-campus internship or practicum that is completed before the student graduates and is an integral part of an established curriculum. This is authorized by International Student Services as permitted under F-1 federal immigration regulations. In order to qualify as CPT, the proposed internship/practicum must be curricular in nature, without which, attainment of their degree is an impossibility.
The internship or practicum course must be listed on the degree sheet as a major requirement that all students in the program, regardless of citizenship or visa status, must enroll in to obtain their degree.
The internship or practicum cannot be an elective, independent studies, or directed readings. Enrollment is credit bearing hours for the internship or practicum is required and the credit hours cannot be in excess to the number of credit hours needed to complete the degree program.
All CPT must be conducted by sponsoring employers that have established cooperative agreements with the university. The university must only enter into cooperative agreements with legitimate, bona fide employers who are able to provide a quality practical training experience to students. CPT students should have access to practical training managed by an employer who has entered into a cooperative agreement with the university where it is agreed the employer will sponsor the university’s students for specific training such as an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is specific to the student’s major area of study.
