Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Info for UT Tyler F-1 Students

International Student Services

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 benefit* which allows a student to gain on-the-job experience with an employer in their field of study while earning academic credits toward their degree program.

If a student qualifies, CPT employment can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, depending on individual circumstances.

*Students full time in lawful nonimmigrant status as a dependent in nonimmigrant categories, could use the time they spent studying full-time in that status towards meeting the "one academic year" practical training eligibility requirement.

Eligibility

Determine if you meet all the eligibility requirements:

You are currently in valid F-1 status.
You have studied at a U.S. school at least one academic year (two long semesters).
You have completed at least two semesters fully enrolled at UT Tyler.
Either an internship is required for your degree program (all students must complete an internship in order to graduate) OR a course is required for which an internship can be used on your degree plan, such as a required elective. Consult with your academic advisor to make this determination, if needed.

New Students

Attended UT Tyler for at least one academic year.

Transfer/Change of Education Level Students

Attend a US institution for at least one academic year.
Attended UT Tyler for at least one long semester.

Students who have done OPT or with a new SEVIS Number

Attended a US institution for at least one. academic year
Attended UT Tyler for at least one long semester.

Steps to Apply

Understanding the CPT application process can help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth experience. Take a moment to review each step before you begin.

How to Apply

Find a job that is appropriate to your field of study and that meets academic requirements for the internship course.
Obtain job offer letter on company letter head containing the following details:
- Description of core responsibilities
- Specific expected start and end date (e.g., Sept. 3, 2025 to Dec. 23, 2025)
- Total hours worked per week
- Supervisor name and contact information
Complete any required department paperwork and enroll in the required internship course.
Complete the CPT Recommendation Request form (pdf version / DocuSign version) and submit the completed form and job offer letter to OIP.
Allow 1-3 business days for processing. OIP will issue a CPT-authorized I-20 and will notify you via email.
Once you have the CPT I-20 you are ready to start work on the authorized dates listed.

Application Timing

CPT applications should be submitted well in advance of your intended start date. We recommend applying at least 2–3 weeks before your training begins to allow time for review, approval, and I-20 processing. CPT cannot be backdated, so plan accordingly and do not begin any employment until you receive official authorization.

CPT must be authorized prior to beginning work.
Authorization lasts up to one semester.
The full CPT authorization process is required prior to every semester of CPT.
Students who are authorized for a year or more of CPT lose eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Students must remain full-time enrolled during spring and fall semesters.
As enrollment is not required for students during the summer, unless it is their first semester in a program, summer CPT can be part-time or full-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about CPT? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below for quick answers about eligibility, application steps, work hours, and more. This section is a helpful resource as you navigate the process.

Do I need to be enrolled while doing CPT?

Yes. You must enroll in an appropriate CPT course. During the fall and spring semesters you must be full-time enrolled, including the CPT course.

What are the possible dates of employment while on CPT?

The internship must occur during the same semester as the course.

The earliest possible start date is the day after the previous semester ends.
The latest possible start date is Census Day of the internship semester.
The earliest possible end date is whenever you complete your degree requirements.
The latest possible end date depends on if you are in your last semester (graduating).
- If it is your last semester, the CPT must end by the semester end date.
- If it is not your last semester,
CPT may continue up to the day before the next semester starts.

Do I have to pay for a CPT work authorization?

No. The authorization is processed by OIP without charge. However, you will be required to pay for an internship course.

I have a CPT approved for this semester. How can I get it extended through the end of the next semester?

Students may be authorized for CPT only one semester at a time. If you have a second required course appropriate for CPT, you can go through the authorization process again and get a new I-20 for the next semester.

My academic department does not want to recommend CPT. In this case, can I still apply?

No. It is required that your academic department and advisor approve this CPT.

My professor can get me a job with “Company X.” It will be good experience. Can I do CPT there?

CPT is only authorized when the employment is part of the curriculum for your program. You may want to consider using that opportunity while on OPT. It takes about 3 months to receive OPT authorization.

Can I do full-time CPT and still be eligible for OPT?

Yes. Federal regulations state that having a year or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT.

Can I have CPT during my grace period after graduation or after my thesis is done?

No. CPT is tied to your degree program and must occur prior to completing degree requirements.

Do I have to apply for CPT if I am offered volunteer work or an unpaid internship?

If you volunteer at a recognized charity in a traditional volunteer position, such as Red Cross or a homeless shelter, you may work without authorization. (It is recommended that you get a letter from that organization that says you are working without any compensation.) If your degree program requires any work, paid or unpaid, you should obtain a CPT authorization.

What do I show my employer so that they know that I have work authorization?

You will present your I-20 with the CPT authorization notation, found on page two of your I-20.

CPT is my first U.S. job. How do I get a Social Security number?

Contact OIP at oip@uttyler.edu. You will take your job offer letter and immigration documents to a Social Security Administration office. You can apply for an SSN up to 30 days prior to the internship start date. The card usually takes about two weeks to receive.

Can CPT be outside of Texas?

Yes, if it occurs during the summer or if it your last semester and you do not require other face-to-face courses to meet regulatory enrollment requirements.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Info for UT Tyler F-1 Students

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International Student Services

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