Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment authorization for F-1 international students who are currently pursuing an academic program in the United States and wish to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study.
CPT must be integral to the student’s curriculum and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) on the Form I-20 before employment begins. CPT cannot be used after program completion
DHS CPT Regulations
Students should review official U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) resources for full CPT regulations:
Key points:
12+ months of full-time CPT at the same degree level eliminates OPT eligibility.
Part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) does not affect OPT eligibility.
CPT authorization must appear on page 2 of the I-20 before employment starts.
CPT must be curricular (credit-bearing or required by the program).
FAQs – CPT Chicago
Taylor Business Institute supports students who undertake Curricular Practical Training during an associate degree program. For more information on CPT and how to pursue CPT jobs in Chicago, review our Frequently Asked Questions below.
To qualify for CPT authorization at Taylor Business Institute, a student must:
- Maintain valid F-1 status for at least one academic year in a SEVP-approved institution before applying.
- Be enrolled full-time in one of the following Associate Degree programs:
- Accounting Technician
- Criminal Justice & Security Administration
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Information Technology & Networking
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
- Secure a job offer directly related to the major field of study
- Obtain CPT authorization before beginning employment.
- Maintain full-time enrollment while on CPT.
- Ensure that the internship supervisor is not an F-1 student.
CPT internship is not a requirement to complete the degree program, however, CPT is authorized only for students enrolled in one of the four associate degree programs at TBI. CPT authorization is awarded only for part-time employment. Currently, the following associate degree programs at Taylor Business Institute have been identified as eligible for CPT:
• Accounting Technician
• Criminal Justice and Security Administration
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Enrollment in the course must be concurrent with the employment. Employment may take place at any time of the year. Authorization will be granted on a six-month basis. However, if a student wishes to work for a period longer than the six-month, they must meet with their academic advisor (Dean) and the DSO before authorization can be extended beyond the six-month period (see Application Process.
- CPT authorization is limited to part-time employment (20 hours per week or less) during academic terms.
- Full-time CPT (over 20 hours per week) may be authorized.
- CPT authorization is granted for six months at a time. To extend CPT, students must reapply with updated enrollment verification.
- CPT must be an integral academic experience, not general off-campus work.
- Students must keep copies of all prior CPT I-20s for future applications such as OPT or H-1B.
Processing Time: Three business days (no expedites or backdating).
Do not begin employment until you receive your new I-20 showing CPT authorization.
Steps to Apply:
- Meet with your Academic Advisor (Dean) to complete the Advisor’s Recommendation section of the CPT Application Form.
- Attach your current class schedule and unofficial transcript.
- Obtain a Verification Letter from your employer using the CPT Template Letter (page 3 of the CPT Request Form). Dates must match the CPT start and end dates.
- Submit the CPT Application Form, employer letter, schedule, and transcript to the Academic Advisor or email registrar@tbiil.edu.
- After approval, pick up your updated Form I-20 from the International Student Office (ISO) within three business days.
Extending CPT:
To extend CPT beyond six months, complete the above process again. You must provide updated proof of enrollment and maintain valid F-1 status.
1. Work with your Academic Advisor (Dean) and complete the Advisor’s Recommendation sections of the CPT Application Form.
2. Print and attach your current class schedule and transcript to the CPT Application Form.
Please note: You must have a completed CPT Application Form along with the required documents attached before coming to the education office if submitting your CPT request in person (you can also submit it by mail or email it to registrar@tbiil.edu).
3. Provide a Verification Letter from your employer. Your employer must print and complete the CPT Template Letter (page 3 of the CPT request form) on their company letterhead. We will only accept a properly completed template letter. CPT applications without the Template Letter will be DENIED. The employment start and end dates on the letter must match the start and end dates on the CPT request form.
4. Submit the CPT Application Form, employment verification letter, class schedule and official transcript to the academic advisor (Dean), either in person or via email to registrar@tbiil.edu. Academic Adviser will review your application and your eligibility. If approved, the authorization is granted by issuing a new I-20 with the employer’s information notated on page 2 of the document.
5. Pick up your new I-20 at the International Student Office (ISO) three business days after submitting your application. The I-20 is shown to the employer as evidence of work authorization.
Step 1: To extend CPT beyond the six-month period, complete the Application Process steps 1-6 again.
Step 2: An extension of CPT authorization cannot be granted until proof of continued enrollment is available.
Step 3: Students who wish to extend their CPT should consult with the academic advisor (Dean) and the DSO at Taylor Business Institute.
Summary & Important Reminders
- CPT must be authorized by the DSO on your I-20 before employment begins.
- Do not start or continue work without authorization.
- 12+ months of full-time CPT removes OPT eligibility at that degree level.
- Part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) does not affect OPT eligibility.
- CPT must be curricular and directly related to your field of study.
- Retain all CPT I-20s and documentation for future immigration or employment applications.
Reference:
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