Curricular Practical Training

Curricular practical training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work permission for F-1 students who are currently pursuing study programs in the U.S. and want to gain experience in their field of study. CPT is not available after a student completes a degree program. See below for CPT requirements:

• You must be in a valid F status at the time of application
• You must have been in full- time status for one academic year preceding the CPT application
• The training must be an integral part of the students' program of study
• The training must be part of a course, which is either required by the students' degree program, or part of a course for which the student receives academic credit
• The course must be listed in the TAMIU catalog as "Internship" or "Practicum"

*If a graduate program requires the training program to begin immediately, this requirement can be waived.

Fall & Spring CPT

Employment is limited to part-time (20 hours or less) during the fall and spring semesters. Part-time curricular practical training does not affect a student's post completion practical training.

• Part-time curricular practical training is limited to twenty hours per week or less and requires full-time enrollment in school
• You must have a job offer to apply

Summer CPT

Full-time (20 hours or more per week) employment is allowed for all continuing students in the summer. If summer is the first or final semester of a student’s degree program, CPT is limited to 20 hours per week. To be eligible, students must enroll in the course listed as "Internship" or "Practicum" during the summer sessions. Authorization will be granted from the first day of class for the summer session you are enrolled in and ends on the last day of class.

• Full-time CPT is 21 hours per week and more.
• Full-time CPT may affect post-completion practical training

Application Process

Complete the CPT Application
Enroll in the appropriate course listed as "Internship" or "Practicum"
Attach your employer offer letter.
Letter must include the following:

• Company letterhead
• Start date and end date
• Hours per week you will be working
• Job description
• Supervisors name and contact information