CPT (F-1)NonimmigrantStudy

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

F-1 students whose program requires an internship, co-op or practicum. Your DSO authorizes it on your I-20; USCIS isn't involved.

Typical time0–1 mo

Gov’t feesnone

Attorney feesnone

Last verified: 2026-09-25

Requirements

One full academic year of full-time study first (some graduate programs are exceptions)
Training is an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to your major
A signed cooperative agreement or letter from the employer
DSO authorizes CPT in SEVIS for a specific employer and dates before you start
Not available in English language training programs

How long you can stay

CPT doesn't change your F-1 stay. It happens before your I-20 program end date and must end by the CPT end date.

Timeline

Your school decides; there's no USCIS filing or fee. Ask your DSO how long their review takes, since SEVP now expects closer checks.

Spouse & children

F-2 family members can't work.

Work

Each CPT authorization covers one employer and set dates. A new employer needs a new DSO authorization — not a USCIS petition.

Path to a green card

CPT is part of F-1 study, not a path by itself. Options people in similar situations often explore include OPT, then work visas — confirm with a licensed attorney.

Key documents

I-20 showing the CPT authorization
Employer offer or cooperative agreement letter
Program rules showing the required internship or practicum

Common pitfalls

12 months or more of full-time CPT removes OPT eligibility at that level
Starting work before the CPT start date on your I-20
Since Aug 2026, SEVP says CPT must be required for all students; electives don't count
Dropping below a full course load while school is in session, even with part-time CPT
Working more than 20 hours a week on part-time CPT (over 20 counts as full-time)

Rules in flux

Stricter CPT reading by SEVP (Aug 2026)

SEVP sent messages to schools on Aug 12 and Aug 24, 2026. They say CPT is allowed only when the training is required for all students in that program. An elective or optional internship doesn't count. SEVP warned school officials about personal liability and said it is increasing scrutiny. The regulation itself didn't change; SEVP's reading of it did.

F/J fixed-stay rule — postponed by a court

DHS published a final rule on Jul 17, 2026 to end 'duration of status' (D/S) for F and J. Instead, you'd get a fixed stay up to your program length, capped at 4 years. It would also cut the F-1 grace period after study or OPT from 60 to 30 days. It limits school transfers and changes of major or degree level, too. On Sep 14, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts postponed the rule and barred DHS from implementing it. USCIS says it follows the previous rules for now.

OPT/STEM OPT rule on DHS's agenda (not yet proposed)

DHS's regulatory agenda lists a 'Practical Training' rule (RIN 1653-AA97) at the proposed-rule stage. DHS says it would address fraud and national security concerns, protect U.S. workers from displacement, and increase SEVP oversight. No proposed rule had been published in the Federal Register as of Sep 25, 2026. The current agenda estimates a proposal in February 2027. Today's OPT and STEM OPT rules stay the same until a rule is finalized and takes effect.

Official sources

General information, not legal advice. Rules change often. Check the official source and talk to a licensed immigration attorney before you act.