How do I Apply for CPT?

Read through the information in this section of the website and determine whether you are eligible for CPT. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for CPT or have questions about the application process, you can meet with an International Student Advisor during walk-in hours.

Submit a CPT Request in the ISSS Portal.

• You must have a job offer letter on letterhead that states the following information:
  • Job Title
  • Specific Start Date
  • Specific End Date
  • Specific Number of Hours Per Week
  • Address of Employment Work Site
  • Description of the Work to be Performed
• If the job offer letter does NOT include all of the above points, then you must also submit supplementary documentation. Most often this supplementary documentation is in the form of an email from a company representative. This email must be sent from a company email address and there should be a signature line that identifies the sender as a member of the employer’s organization.
• Provide a copy of your job offer letter to your Academic Advisor
• Your Academic Advisor will be notified that you submitted a CPT Request and will need to submit their recommendation.
• Once all documentation and your Advisor's recommendation are on file, ISSS will begin processing your application.
• An ISSS advisor will review your CPT Request and issue you a new I-20 document that reflects our authorization for CPT and lists the employer and employment dates on page 2.

You will be notified via email when your new CPT I-20 is ready. Your I-20 will be uploaded digitally in the Control Center (Documents section) of your ISSS Portal. You must print and sign your new I-20 (signed in ink).

Begin work. You must be authorized for CPT by an International Student Advisor before beginning any employment. Working prior to obtaining authorization could result in a loss of your F-1 status. Even unpaid work must be authorized.