Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is authorization for International Students to work before graduation in a short-term paid or unpaid work experience position which is directly related to an academic program of study. At CSUF we usually use the term "internship" for this type of experience. CPT is the language used by the U.S. Department of Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

Eligibility is not automatic. IEE Advisors will explain your F-1 visa requirements. Generally, you must have been in F-1 student status for at least one academic year to be eligible for CPT. If you entered the U.S. with an "Initial Attendance" I-20 issued by Cal State Fullerton, your F-1 status begins on your first date of entry, and you cannot begin your internship until after completion of one academic year. For all other students, you may begin internship during your second semester at Cal State Fullerton in your current program. If you are on academic probation or do not meet internship requirements for your particular major or academic department, you may NOT begin your internship even if you meet F-1 visa requirements.

A maximum of 2 terms of CPT (two internships) is allowed per student. Terms are defined as: Spring semester, summer vacation, and Fall semester. Internships are normally one semester in duration. It may be possible to remain at an internship site for a second term if you can demonstrate how the additional experience will provide you with increased responsibility and/or new projects. For permission to continue notify CICE and complete all the same steps you followed for the first work term.

An internship may be either. You are reminded, however, that you are required to be enrolled as full-time students during the academic year. In order to accommodate this schedule, most approved internships during a Fall or Spring semester are part-time (10-20 hours per week). Full-time internships defined as more than 20 hours per week by the BCIS, and are usually done during the summer.

Each academic department may have specific unit requirements and/or limitations. Most internship courses are 3 units. You may be able to register for 1 unit, as long as you maintain full-time enrollment, and if approved by your Faculty Internship Coordinator.

You should plan to begin the process two or three months before the beginning of a new semester. This allows sufficient time for research, the application process, and personal interviews. Once you are offered an internship position, you cannot begin working until authorized for CPT by an International Student Advisor in IEE.

Yes. ONLY paid internships for academic credit require IEE authorization before you begin working. You must enroll in your Department's internship course and complete the required assignments for academic credit. UNPAID internships do NOT require IEE authorization. However, you must register in the CPT course for academic credit.

Make an appointment with an IEE Advisor and bring the following documents with you: copies of your position information from the CICE with signature from your faculty internship coordinator, and your unexpired passport. A new SEVIS I-20 will be issued to you with the details of your CPT position indicated on page 3. This is your authorization to participate in Curricular Practical Training. You cannot begin working until authorized for CPT by the IEE Advisor

There are two ways to find an internship position. You can locate and apply for positions through CICE or you may do your own research and develop an internship position on your own.

• Go to the Center for Internships & Cooperative Education (LH-209) and sign up for an Internship Orientation. At the orientation you will receive the necessary internship application materials and learn how to apply for positions.
• Get your Faculty Internship Coordinator's approval and signature on the yellow application form in the packet.
• Submit the completed form and one copy of your current resume to CICE. Apply for internship positions.
• When you have been offered and accept a position, notify the CICE's staff, who will verify your placement and provide you with copies of the necessary paperwork for your appointment with the IEE Office.

• Go to the Center for Internships & Cooperative Education (CICE) in LH-209 and pick up a "Student Developed Internship" packet (blue cover page).
• Ask your prospective internship site to complete all information and to provide details of your internship responsibilities on the appropriate forms (in the packet).
• Get your Faculty Internship Coordinator's approval and signature on the "Student Data & Approval Form" (in the packet).
• Submit the completed packet to CICE. The staff will verify your placement and provide you with copies of the necessary paperwork for your appointment with IEE.