Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students with F-1 visa to gain work experience in the United States before completing an academic program. CPT can include training, internships, or cooperative education programs.

CPT is a benefit, not a guarantee. The experience you earn from CPT is an important part of your curriculum.

Quick Facts

  • Academic Purpose: CPT is intended to provide academic training, not general employment.
  • Program related: CPT must be related to a specific TCC course required for your program.
  • Timing: CPT is only available before you complete your academic program.
  • Authorization Required: CPT must be authorized by your DSO before you start working.
  • Paid or Unpaid: CPT may be paid or unpaid.

CPT Eligibility Requirements at TCC

  • You must be a full-time F-1 student at TCC with at least one full academic year of valid F-1 status.
  • You must have a job offer before requesting CPT authorization.
  • CPT must connect to an approved practical experience that supports your program of study.
  • You must maintain a full-time course load in the fall and spring semesters, even if approved for CPT.
  • CPT can happen anytime during the academic year, but it must line up with your classes.

Types of CPT

There are 2 types of CPT:

  • Part-Time: 20 hours or less per week.
  • Full-Time: More than 20 hours per week.

Notes:

  • You may be authorized for more than one part-time CPT opportunity per semester if it’s needed to complete your program requirements.
  • You are not allowed to apply for OPT after completing 12 months or more of full-time CPT. Part-time or less than 12 months of full-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.

Eligible Programs for CPT at TCC

TCC offers CPT option for the following programs:

CPT Authorization Request Process

  1. Secure a training position: Obtain a job offer related to your academic program.
  2. Gather required information:
    • TCC course associated with CPT
    • Employment start and end dates
    • Full-time or part-time CPT employment
    • Employer name and address
  3. Obtain program approval: Contact your program coordinator or dean for the email confirmation that the training is required for a specific course
  4. Contact a DSO: Email International Student Admissions & Compliance (ISAC) office to confirm eligibility and receive application instructions.
  5. Request CPT Authorization: Follow the instructions from the ISAC DSO to complete your CPT authorization request. If the request is approved, ISAC will authorize CPT and issue a new Form I-20 with the CPT details.
  6. Begin working: You may only start working once you have received your new I-20 and the CPT start date has arrived.

Important Notes and Reminders

  • CPT approval is restricted to a specific employer, job title, location, and dates listed on the authorization.
  • CPT work must have a clear end date. Extension is generally not allowed.
  • You must be enrolled in the associated course during your CPT.
  • DSO approval is required before you begin working. Unauthorized employment can result in loss of F‑1 status.
  • Keep records of all CPT-related academic work and employment for future applications, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Resources & References

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Contact Us

For more details, contact International Student Admissions & Compliance

Updated April 17, 2026