Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to complete off-campus internships while attending classes. Authorization for CPT must be obtained through the International Student and Scholar Services Office.
Once you’ve received approval from the ISSS office, you can begin your internship. You can only work during the dates listed on page 2 of your new I-20.
Eligibility for CPT
To use CPT, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have been enrolled in school full-time for at least 1 year on valid F-1 status (with limited exceptions)
- CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or major program course requirement. CPT authorization is not available for minor courses or non-major electives.
- You must have received a qualifying job offer before you submit your CPT authorization request
- Your job offer must be in your major or field of study
- Both paid and unpaid internships, practicums, etc. must have CPT approval
- Volunteering might require CPT approval. Check with the DSO or PDSO.
Exchange students and non-degree students are not eligible for CPT.
Review the full details about CPT eligibility.
How to Apply for CPT
Submit the CPT Request Form (PDF) and a job offer letter to ISSS in Gildemeister 314 or by email to IS@winona.edu with at least 5 business days before the beginning of your CPT job offer.
Part-time vs Full-time CPT
CPT can be full time (more than 20 hours per week) or part time (less than 20 hours per week). Most students work part-time during the semester or full-time during the summer while on CPT.
If a student plans on applying for OPT after they graduate, they can only use less than 364 days of full-time CPT. You will not be able to use OPT if you work for 12 months on full-time CPT. Part-time CPT does not apply to eligibility for OPT.
If you are requesting full-time employment during the academic year, the employer’s letter must include the certification that you will have full access to the intellectual property produced by the research for publication in dissertation in addition to the other application requirements.
Maxwell 130
175 West Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 1.507.457.5303
Fax: 1.507.457.2474