Curricular Practical Training

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows students the chance to obtain off-campus, work (paid or unpaid) that is directly related to their field of study. It is generally approved as part-time work (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session. During vacation periods, it may be authorized for more than 20 hours per week.

Using full-time CPT for 12 months will forfeit all Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part-time CPT does not impact your OPT.

Types of CPT

TYPES OF CPT

REQUIRED FOR YOUR ACADEMIC PROGRAM – Your academic program may require employment, practicum, OR internship experience in the field of study to graduate.
NON-REQUIRED INTERNSHIP, PRACTICUM, OR INTERNSHIP – Your academic program may provide an option to complete practical experience in the form of an internship, placement, independent study or practicum. For this type of CPT, the experience must be counted as academic credit and directly related to your field of study. You must be enrolled for the course while engaging in this type of CPT.

CPT Application Deadlines (2016)

You should apply for CPT at least 3 weeks before the start of the academic term for which you are applying. Please see below for the 2016 deadlines

Academic Term Start Date (2016)	CPT Application Deadline
Spring Semester: January 20^th, 2016	Wednesday, December 30^th, 2015
Spring Quarter: February 29^th, 2016	Monday, February 8^th, 2016
Summer Quarter: May 23^rd, 2016	Monday, May 2^nd, 2016
Summer Semester: May 23^rd, 2016	Monday, May 2^nd, 2016
Fall Semester: September 7th, 2016	Wednesday, August 17^th, 2016
Fall Quarter: September 12th, 2016	Monday, August 22^nd, 2016
Winter Quarter: November 28th, 2016	Monday, November 7^th, 2016

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

PAID VS. UNPAID INTERNSHIPS As an F-1 student, you must obtain work authorization for any type of employment. Unpaid internships at “for profit” companies and organizations are considered work unless it meets the following standards from the Department of Labor

The training received must be similar to what would be given in an educational environment
The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern only
The intern or trainee doesn’t displace regular employees (i.e. you cannot “volunteer” for a position that is otherwise paid
The employer gets no immediate benefit from the activities of the intern
The intern or trainee is not necessarily entitled to a job at the end of the internship
The intern is not entitled to wages or remuneration for time at internship

If your unpaid internship does not meet these standards, it is considered paid and must be authorized.

Applying for CPT

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate F-1 international students interested in applying for CPT should connect with their PACT Mentor for assistance. You will need your PACT Mentor to work with the Office of Career and Professional Developement to apply for an academic internship.

Graduate Students

Graduate F-1 international students interested in applying for CPT should complete the CPT Information & Recommendation Form_.pdf. It will require review and signatures from your Academic Program Director and your internship supervisor. Once completed, return to International Student Services for final approval.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for CPT, you must have

Have been lawfully enrolled as a full-time student in the U.S. for at least one academic year*
Be in lawful F-1 status at the time of applying for CPT, and
Have a job offer that is directly related to your program

The internship description or job offer letter should include a list of responsibilities, company name and address, and supervisor name and address.

*If your graduate program requires an internship or practicum right away, you are then eligible for CPT during your first academic year

Questions about CPT?

Feel free to call or email the ISS Office at (914) 674-7284 or international@mercy.edu with questions regarding CPT.

Get More Info

Academic Term Start Date (2016)

CPT Application Deadline

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