Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Due to recent federal guidance:

• CPT may only be approved when the practical training experience is required for completion of the student's degree program and is required for ALL students enrolled in that curriculum.
• Internships, employment opportunities, or courses that are optional, elective, or not required for all students for degree completion do not qualify for CPT authorization.
• Students must consult with ISSS before accepting an internship or employment opportunity for which they intend to seek CPT authorization. 
• It is strongly recommended that students consult with ISSS before exploring CPT opportunities. 
• Not all opportunities qualify for CPT authorization.
• Before pursuing CPT, students should confirm with their academic department and ISSS that the practical training is a required component of their degree program.
• Federal guidance limits CPT eligibility to training experiences that are integral to and required for completion of the curriculum.

To be eligible for CPT, students must:

• Be in legal F-1 status.
• Have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
• Demonstrate that the practical training is required for completion of their degree program and for all students within the degree program.
• Have a cooperative agreement or other required affiliation documentation established between the employer and UMSL
• Provide documentation from the academic department confirming that all students in the curriculum must complete the practical training experience as part of degree completion requirements.
• Be enrolled in the academic course associated with the practical training experience during the CPT authorization period.
• Receive an offer of employment directly related to their major field of study.
• Obtain CPT authorization from ISSS before beginning the paid or unpaid opportunity

Part-time CPT (20 hours per week or fewer) is permissible during the fall and spring semesters.

Important Note:  You may be authorized for Part-time CPT as necessary to fulfill the required practical training component of your degree program.

Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) is permissible during the summer and official school breaks. In specific cases, full-time CPT may be granted during fall and spring semesters if a full-time internship is required for all students in the degree program.

Important Note: Full-time CPT for 12 months or more cancels out your eligibility for OPT.

• Even if the practical opportunity is unpaid, you must still obtain CPT authorization.
• You cannot begin employment until you receive your new I-20 and the CPT start date has passed.
• CPT can only be authorized for a specific job; the job cannot change during CPT.
• CPT must be tied to a specific semester and course and cannot overlap between terms.
• If you change your mind about CPT or lose your job, you must notify ISSS immediately so your CPT authorization can be canceled.
• You may be authorized for Part-time CPT as necessary to fulfill the required practical training component of your degree program.
• Full-time CPT for 12 months or more cancels out your eligibility for OPT.

• The CPT opportunity must be a required component of the student's degree program and associated with a required academic course.
• The practical training requirement must apply to ALL students enrolled in the curriculum.
• The training must be directly related to the student's major field of study.
• CPT authorization must be approved by ISSS before any paid or unpaid experience begins.
• Any required agreements or affiliation documentation between the employer and UMSL must be in place prior to authorization.
• Not all opportunities qualify for CPT authorization

For More Details on the SEVP Broadcast Messages:
Broadcast Message 2608-01
Broadcast Message 2608-02