Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a benefit that allows F-1 students to accept off-campus employment/internships in connection with the Vassar curriculum. CPT must be directly related to your major field of study.
The Basics
- CPT is available to F-1 students.
- The earliest that an F-1 student can access CPT is the summer after their first academic year.
- CPT must be directly related to your major field of study.
- CPT is available part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year, and full time during academic breaks.
- CPT is a benefit available as a function of OIS and the Office of Community Engaged Learning.
Applying for CPT
1. Timing
- Unlike OPT, there are no external deadlines.
- CPT is mostly used for summer internships. The key internal deadline is that you have to register with the Office of Community Engaged Learning (OCEL) by the end of May.
- Our recommendation is to reach out to OIS as soon as you land a position, and we will walk you through the steps.
2. How to Apply
- The first step is to land an internship or other form of off-campus employment. The employment must directly relate to your major field of study.
- For summer employment, arrange to get credit for your employment.
3. Make an appointment with the Office of Community Engaged Learning before the end of the semester.
4. Follow the OCEL process for arranging for summer credit
5. Complete their forms as required. Send via email to OIS a letter of employment, which must:
- be on official company letterhead
- include a specific start date and a specific end date
- include the complete street address where your work will be performed
- have the number of hours per week you will work
- describe what it is you will be doing
- be signed and dated by your employer
6. Once we in OIS have received confirmation from the OCEL office along with your employment letter, we will issue a new I-20 authorizing CPT.
7. For employment outside of the summer make an appointment with the Office of Engaged Learning to explore what may be possible.
CPT FAQs
Eligibility
Can I take a semester off and do CPT?
No, you cannot do CPT (or OPT) during a leave of absence. You need to be a full-time registered student in order to be able to apply for CPT.
Can I do CPT during my first year?
The earliest you can do CPT is the summer following your first year.
Does the use of CPT impact my eligibility for OPT?
It technically could, but it is very unlikely. You would need to amass 12 months of full-time CPT to become ineligible for OPT.
Do I need a job offer to apply for CPT?
Yes. Unlike OPT, CPT is job-specific.
Is there an application fee?
No.
How many hours per week can I do CPT?
- CPT + any other employment, including on-campus, cannot exceed 20 hours per week during the academic year.
- There is no restriction on hours during academic break periods.
Applying for CPT
What is the latest in the spring semester that I can apply for CPT for the summer?
- We recommend you apply for CPT by the end of April.
- The one fixed deadline is that the Office for Community Engaged Learning requires you to register for summer work by the end of May.
- Note also that it can be difficult to arrange for faculty sponsors beyond the end of classes.
How do I apply for CPT?
- See section on applying for CPT, above.
- Reach out to OIS if you have any additional questions!
How do I know if my CPT has been approved?
- You will receive a new CPT I-20: we will notify you when it is ready to be picked up.
- Your CPT authorization will appear on Page 2 of the I-20. If your employer wants proof of authorization, this is what you will show to them.