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What is CPT?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is employment authorization for an F-1 international student to legally take on (and in certain circumstances be paid for) an internship that is an integral part of their academic curriculum.
ELIGIBILITY
In order to be eligible to apply for CPT, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have been lawfully enrolled in F-1 status on a full-time basis, for 2 consecutive semesters (1 academic year) prior to applying
- Have received an internship offer with a specified start and end date and approximate number of hours per week
- Be able to prove that the internship placement is an integral part of your academic program at MassArt through one of the following means:
- Placement will be approved by MassArt's Career Development Office and, as such, will be registered for academic credit: Apply for CPT: Internship Registered for Academic Credit
- Placement is required for all students taking a particular academic course and is stated as such in the course syllabus: Apply for CPT: Other Process
- Placement is a requirement for all students in order to successfully complete their degree and is stated as such in the course catalog under academic program requirements: Apply for CPT: Other Process
- Placement is required for all students to successfully complete their Thesis or Dissertation requirements and the Department Chair will confirm this on MassArt letterhead: Apply for CPT: Other Process
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APPLICATION TIMING
- It is a violation of F-1 status to begin working at an internship prior to receiving CPT approval and a new immigration document (I-20) from their ISA
- CPT is authorized before the start of the academic semester (Fall, Spring or Summer) during which you will participate in the internship.
- It is authorized by MassArt's international Student Advisor (ISA) upon receipt of required documentation for approval
- Once the documentation is received, the ISA will authorize CPT in the student's immigration record and issue a new immigration document (I-20).
- The ISA will email the new I-20 to the student directly with the authorization on it and the student will print that out to prove their work eligibility to their employer