Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization available to F-1 students for work experience that is considered an integral part of a student's curriculum or academic program.

CPT can only be authorized before graduation and is generally used for off-campus summer research or internships, including Davidson experiential programs such as Davidson in Washington and Davidson Research Network. 

Engaging in research: Being hired for research at a U.S. college/university (other than Davidson College) requires CPT. As a hired researcher, you are employed (regardless of if the experience is paid or not), which means you need employment authorization. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • The work experience must be related to your major field of study and an integral part of your academic program. This is why CPT must always be connected to some form of Davidson enrollment -- typically XPL 099.
  • You must have a declared major.
  • You must have been enrolled at Davidson full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters).
  • If CPT is pursued during the academic year, you must maintain a full course load.
  • You many not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. This includes on-campus and intern work.
  • Your employment, co-op or internship must be part of a bona fide employer-employee, supervisory relationship. Self-employment does not satisfy this requirement.
  • Apply for and receive CPT authorization BEFORE beginning any employment activities.
  • Any off-campus internship is considered employment regardless of whether you are paid or not; it will require CPT. Paid positions will require tax filing in the following year.

Step 1: Find an internship or research opportunity

If you have questions about how your internship relates to your major, please see your academic advisor. The Betty and B. Frank Matthews II ’49 Center for Career Development (Matthews Center) is a great resource as well. 

Step 2: Submit the CPT Learning Agreement

Beginning in Winter 2024-25, you will complete a learning agreement* through the Matthews Center for Career Development that is intended to help you identify career competencies you may achieve during your internship. For questions or assistance with this form, contact Tynisha Brice.

  1. Visit the CPT Learning Agreement website and complete the form.
  2. A Matthews Center staff member will review your form.
  3. If everything is in order, she will email you and copy the ISE staff stating that your learning agreement has been approved and you are ready to go to the next step. You are not authorized to start your internship yet.
  4. After receiving the learning agreement approval notice, complete the steps to request a CPT I-20.

*XPL 199 participants are not required to complete the learning agreement and can skip to Step 3.

Step 3: Submit the CPT I-20 Request in WildcatSync

  1. Ask your academic advisor to complete the CPT Advisor Recommendation Form.
  2. Fill out the CPT I-20 Request in WildcatSync.
  3. Upload an offer letter from your employer in the request form. The offer letter should be on company letterhead and must include:
    • Job title
    • A brief description of your job duties which clearly demonstrates that the position is related to your academic major(s)
    • Address of the location at which you will physically be working
    • Name of supervisor
    • Number of hours per week to be worked
    • Start and end dates of employment
    • Signature either electronically or by hand
  4. Submit the request. You are not authorized to start your internship yet. 

Step 4: Receive a new I-20 with CPT authorization from ISE

  1. ISE will review the request and, if everything is in order, issue a new I-20 with CPT authorization.
  2. You may begin working no sooner than the CPT start date on the I-20.

Step 5: Complete the learning agreement reflection

  1. At the end of the semester, the Matthews Center will send you a reflection form to complete.
  2. Upon completion, they will work with the Office of the Registrar to have XPL 099 added to your transcript.

Note: If you are enrolled in XPL 199, and you are interning for an off-campus company, you will need CPT but you are not required to complete the CPT Learning Agreement. Follow steps 1, 3, and 4 above. 

Other Considerations

  • Part-time CPT does not take away any time from OPT. You can work up to 12 months of full-time CPT without affecting OPT eligibility. However, completing 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT.
  • After you have met the one full academic year requirement, part-time CPT is unlimited.
  • CPT is assessed and granted on a semester-by-semester basis. You must request an extension of CPT to continue working beyond the CPT end date.