What You Need to Know About CPT

 

CPT authorization is granted by semester. Authorization timeframes are established in advance and generally follow the academic calendar. Students applying for CPT should keep in mind that multiple CPT applications should be requested if their internship or job falls within two academic terms. CPT can be renewed if a student continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Deadlines: In an effort to uphold the academic integrity of the applied learning program at WSU, the Office of International Education has implemented a deadline for the issuance and approval of Curricular Practical Training applications. (For current term deadlines, visit the CPT Resources Page) 

Fall and Spring 

  • The last day a CPT application will be issued to an eligible student will be the Monday of the 8th week of classes. 
  • The last day a completed CPT application can be submitted for processing by OIE will be the Monday of the 9th week of classes. 

Summer 

  • The last day a CPT application will be issued to an eligible student will be the Monday of the 3rd week of classes. 
  • The last day a completed CPT application can be submitted for processing by OIE will be the Monday of the 4th week of classes. 

Generally, CPT authorization is limited to part-time (20 or fewer hours per week) during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time authorization (more than 20 hours per week) is allowed during the summer semester and winter break.

If a student completes 12 months of full-time CPT, then they will not qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at that degree level. Part-time CPT and fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT should not affect OPT eligibility.

Please note:

  • Students must continue to enroll in a full course of study while on CPT.
  • While the training may be with a company outside of Wichita, the student must continue to enroll in a full course of study and is subject to the distance learning limit of counting only one online course, up to 3 credit hours, towards the full course of study minimum each semester.
  • The training must be with a U.S. employer.
  • Remote training experiences are not prohibited.
  • Cooperative education credits do not receive a letter grade but rather “CR” for “credit earned” or “NCR” for “no credit earned.” OIE reserves the right to deny CPT authorization renewal requests for any student who receives “NCR” for a cooperative education course from a previous term.
  • Students generally must be in good academic standing to receive CPT authorization. Students on academic probation can still request CPT; these requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Office of International Education (OIE), the company or organization providing the training, and the student’s academic/faculty advisor or their designated signer must all sign the CPT application form before CPT can be authorized in SEVIS and a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization can be issued.

A student must have the I-20 with CPT authorization before beginning the practical training experience. Engaging in practical training without authorization is considered a serious violation of status and should be avoided. It may be seen as unauthorized employment by USCIS which will result in the denial of a reinstatement application and possibly denial of reentry into the U.S.

 

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