International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

General Information

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum in the student's course of study, and the practical training is required for all students participating in that curriculum, regardless of citizenship. Types of CPT work authorization can be internship, cooperative education or any other employment that is related to the student's degree program. Thus, CPT for F-1 students is intended to provide work experience in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student's academic program, prior to completion of that program.

• Participation in CPT must be authorized by the CDC and ISSS each semester and is employer specific.
• Only one employer per student per term will be authorized.
• During the spring and fall semesters, students are expected to maintain a full course load of study unless they have received an authorized reduced course load.
• Students may work on campus (student worker and assistantships) and on CPT at the same time, as long as the total hours does not exceed 20 hours/week.
• Students may work full-time during the summer semester.
• Check the CDC website for deadlines. 
• You may not begin before the start date or continue working after the end date. No work, such as training or job shadowing (paid or unpaid) can take place before the work authorization start date shown on your CPT I-20. If you work beyond the end date, you will be working illegally and could lose future immigration benefits.
• If you do not already have a social security number, you must allow time to apply for one and receive the actual social security card in the mail before you begin working. You do not need your CPT I-20 to apply for a social security number.
• If a student participates in twelve months or more of full-time CPT, they will lose eligibility to apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of studies.  Participation in part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for post-completion OPT.
• A job offer is not required to begin the application process, but you must have one to complete the process with the CDC.
• You cannot begin work until you have received an I-20 showing your CPT authorization.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for enrollment in the CPT (Co-op) program, the following must be true:

1. My program of study requires participation in CPT in order to successfully fulfill degree requirements. 
2. I have maintained my F-1 status.
3.  I have been on an active F-1 status enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year (fall and spring) before starting CPT.
4.  I have not yet graduated/completed my program at SIUE.
5.  I have taken care of all holds on my SIUE account preventing me from registering for classes.
6.  I have at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA (for undergraduate students) or 3.0 GPA (for graduate students).
7.  I will continue to maintain health insurance coverage for the CPT period.

Students must meet all program requirements and apply for CPT each term, including meeting all scheduled deadlines and notifying both ISSS and the Career Development Center of employment. 

Required Application Procedure

1. Ask your academic advisor to complete the CPT Advisor Letter, which outlines the classes you will be taking for future semesters and the date of your graduation. Please allow 5 business days processing time after you have submitted your advisor letter.
2. Please email this completed letter to isss@siue.edu.
3. The immigration advisor will then send a separate eligibility email to the Career Development Center (CDC). 
4. Check the CDC website for CPT deadlines. These deadlines are firm. No late applications will be accepted. Allow 2-3 business days prior to these deadlines to complete required paperwork.
   
5. Register with the CDC.
6. Update your Cougar Jobline profile with the CDC.
7. Meet with a CDC counselor for resume approval.
8. Complete co-op orientation online.
9. Schedule an appointment with the CDC to process your CPT paperwork.
10. Once you are approved through the CDC, ISSS will authorize CPT by issuing a new I-20 with the start and end dates of work authorization.

CPT During Final Term

If you are enrolled part-time in your final term before program completion, you must submit the Reduced Course Load (RCL) and receive authorization from ISSS. CPT is only allowed in your final term if you are also registered for other courses which are required for the completion of your academic program.