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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Student Resources

Curricular Practical Training enables students in F-1 status to participate in an internship or practicum off-campus before they complete their academic program if their academic curriculum requires it. F-1 students who obtain authorization for CPT from the DSO in the International Programs office can complete their internship/practicum off-campus while enrolled in classes and or during their summer vacation period, with support from their faculty, if specific conditions have been met. The training, internship or work must relate to your major and the experience must be required of your program of study.

Please read the important information below and complete the F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request Form. Set a meeting to speak with the International Programs office staff about guidelines and requirements.

An F-1 student who is in good standing with immigration is eligible for CPT if the following requirements have been met:

  • Student has been in F-1 status for at least two consecutive semesters (one academic year) preceding the CPT semester.
  • Student has continuously pursued a full-course of study (12-units per term excluding summer for undergraduate students), and;
  • Student has complied with all immigration regulations, and;
  • Student has a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and is not on academic probation, or, has the permission of the dean of the related college, and;
  • Student's major requires an internship or practicum experience as a degree requirement for all students in the program, and;
  • Student has enrolled in a class that requires an internship or practicum, for the semester in which s/he plans to be engaged in CPT, and;
  • Student has met with the related faculty to determine the academic requirements of the internship, and;
  • Employer has provided a written offer of employment that details the specifics of the internship/practicum, and;
  • Employer has signed a cooperative site agreement with CSUMB, and;
  • Student has completed a timely CPT application form signed by their internship cooridnator or academic department faculty.

After student submits their CPT request form and supporting documentation. The International Programs office DSO will review and if all requirements are met will provide the student a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Non immigrant Student Status,” that shows that the DSO has approved the student for this specific employment.


If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.

  • Any paid or unpaid internship or employment opportunity qualifies for CPT if it is directly related to the student’s major field of study, is an integral part of the student’s learning, and the employer has a tax ID.

Part-time

CPT is limited to 20-hours per week of work during the academic semesters for undergraduate students. The number of hours per week cannot be averaged. Part-time CPT is not deducted from a student’s year of Optional Practical Training upon completion of their academic program.

Full-time

21-hours or more per week is considered Full-time for CPT. If a student works more than 20 hours for more than 12-months, cumulatively, the student loses the option of doing OPT.