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Curricular Practical Training

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Monday 鈥� Friday:
8:00 a.m. 鈥� 5:00 p.m. (appointment required)

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Phone: (615) 322-2753
Email: isss@vanderbilt.edu

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option available to F-1 students when the training experience is considered to be an integral (essential) and required part of the established curriculum and directly related to the student鈥檚 major area of study. The practical training must be required for degree completion for all students in the same degree program.听

There is no 鈥淒ay 1 CPT鈥� at 91吃瓜网.

鈥�Practical training鈥� is used here to refer to paid or unpaid internships or employment. CPT may be an internship, practicum, or other work experience that is required for completion of the degree program as outlined in the course catalog. 听听

CPT Eligibility Requirements

  • The student must have been lawfully enrolled鈥�full-time for at least one full academic year鈥�(exceptions exist for graduate programs that鈥�require鈥�immediate participation in CPT).鈥�听
  • The student must maintain鈥痑鈥�full course of study鈥痺hile on CPT, unless an approved reduced course load is authorized.鈥�
  • The proposed training must be an鈥�integral and required part of the established curriculum鈥痑苍诲鈥�directly related鈥痶o the student鈥檚 major, program, or research.鈥�听
  • The practical training must be required for all students in the degree program and necessary for degree completion. This must be reflected in the student鈥檚 degree audit and course catalog.听听
  • For thesis- and dissertation-related CPT, clear documentation showing that practical training is indispensable for completing the thesis or dissertation will be required.听听
  • The student must complete the CPT workshop modules and assessment. CPT is contingent upon having an offer or practical placement assignment.听

Application Process

Submitting an application for CPT does not guarantee approval. ISSS will review the CPT application materials for eligibility. If the practical training opportunity qualifies for CPT, ISSS will issue a new I-20 with CPT authorization. The authorization will be reflected on the second page of the I-20 and will list the authorized start and end dates, in addition to the training site name and address.

Please follow the steps below to submit your request for CPT authorization.

  1. Complete the CPT workshop modules and quiz.
  2. Obtain an offer letter from your practical training site. If your CPT request is based on a practicum or clinical placement, you will need your placement letter or contract.
  3. Complete the online in the ISSS portal.
  4. Processing times are 5-7 business days once a complete application is submitted. Apply early as we cannot expedite requests.听
  5. Do not begin working until you receive the new I-20 with CPT authorization from ISSS.听

CPT does not require USCIS approval. This type of off-campus work permission is authorized by ISSS and reflected in your SEVIS record. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS is not required.

Hours and Limitations

  • CPT dates are鈥�generally aligned鈥痺ith semester鈥痵ession dates鈥痜or course-based CPT.鈥�听
  • CPT may extend into鈥�winter or summer breaks鈥痠f there is a valid鈥�academic rationale, such as completion of a required research project, dissertation, or internship necessary for the degree.鈥�听
  • CPT is limited to part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year. Full-time CPT is available during summer. Full-time CPT may be authorized during the academic year if there is a valid academic rationale. See above. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.听听听
  • Students who are granted 12 months or more of full-time CPT will no longer be eligible for their Optional Practical Training benefit.听

CPT Changes and Extensions

CPT is approved for a specific employer, place of employment, and time period. You may not change employers or extend training without prior approval from ISSS. You must request all changes to your CPT program at least two weeks in advance.听

You must complete new CPT application forms to obtain a new CPT authorization. You are not permitted to work beyond your previously approved CPT dates until you receive a new I-20 authorizing new or extended CPT dates.听

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