CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT) REQUEST FORM


What is CPT?

“An F-1 student may be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) to participate in Curricular Practical Training Program which is an integral part of an established curriculum.” (8CFR 214.2.(F)(10)(I))


CPT is a temporary employment authorization that is an integral part of your major and allows you to participate in an internship (paid or unpaid), practicum or cooperative education program.


There are two types of CPT:

1. Required – Part of the student’s program of study. Program requires employment in the field of study to graduate and register for a practicum course;

2. Optional – An optional part of the program of study. The student must register for a cooperative education course (www.skylinecollege.edu/cooped/).


CPT is not meant to be a convenient employment opportunity nor is it meant to be a device to save Optional Practical Training (the other type of practical training for F-1 students).



Please contact the International Student Program office if you have any questions (https://skylinecollege.edu/international/contact.php)

Who is eligible for CPT?

You are only eligible for CPT if you fit all of the following criteria:


1) In Active F-1 status for at least one academic year (2 semesters, not including Summer)


2) In good academic standing (GPA 2.0 or higher + making a normal academic progress)


3) Enrolled full-time at Skyline College for current term if CPT is done during semester or enrolled full-time for fall if CPT is done during summer


4) Off-campus employment is an integral part of your major


5) Currently still in the process of completing your certificate or degree (i.e. you have not yet graduated)


Location & Duration of CPT

• Students may only engage in CPT for a specific employer and location on your job offer letter.The information will be recorded on page 2 of form I-20 during the dates authorized.


• CPT is only granted on a semester-by-semester basis. You must request a new CPT authorization if you would like to continue with your internship in the following semester.


• CPT dates must start no earlier than the first day of the semester, and end no later than the last day of the semester.


• Do not start your CPT employment until you receive a CPT-endorsed I-20!

Hours per Week

• Part-time CPT - 20 hours per week or less

• Full-time CPT - more than 20 hours per week (Summer only)

Offer of Employment

You must obtain an employment offer letter on the company letterhead stationery that includes the following information:


• Job title and responsibilities

• Start and ending dates of your employment (must be within the academic semester)

• Name, phone number, & email address of your supervisor

• Company address

• Hours per week (20 hours or less for part-time CPT, more than 20 hours for full-time CPT)

Effect on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students who engage in 12 months or longer of full-time CPT will no longer be eligible for OPT.


CPT Application Steps

1) Complete the CPT Guide on Canvas and score 100% on the exit quiz: https://smccd.instructure.com/courses/37589/modules


2) Meet with an ISP counselor to discuss your eligibility.


3 ) Register for a practicum course in your major or sign up for a cooperative education course (COOP 670).


4) Obtain a job offer letter from your employer.


5) Submit the CPT Request Form (this form) online with your job offer letter.


6) Schedule a counseling appointment with the ISP counselor.


7) The ISP counselor will review your request and issue your new I-20 endorsed for CPT.


8) Sign your CPT-endorsed I-20 at the bottom of page 1 and submit a copy to your employer.



Authorization can ONLY be given by a US Dept. of Homeland Security approved Designated School Official at Skyline College. Authorization for such employment may only be obtained by a student who will receive academic credits for the experience.

Student Information

CPT Eligibility

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CPT Course Information

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Employment Information

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*CPT dates must start no earlier than the first day of the semester, and end no later than the last day of the semester.

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Please upload your job offer letter in PDF format.


Your job offer letter must include the following information:

  • Job title and responsibilities
  • Start and ending dates of your employment (must be within the academic semester)
  • Name, phone number, & email address of your supervisor
  • Company address
  • Hours per week (20 hours or less for part-time CPT, more than 20 hours for full-time CPT
Drag and drop files here or

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • You are not allowed to work until you have a CPT-endorsed I-20 given by ISP.
  • You are eligible to work only during the dates authorized by ISP as indicated on page 2 of your I-20.
  • You are eligible to work only for the employer indicated on page 2 of your I-20.
  • If you wish to apply for another period of CPT or to change your employer, you must apply for CPT again, following the same procedures.
  • You must maintain your full-time enrollment at Skyline College while engaged in CPT. If you drop below 12 semester units, your CPT will be terminated immediately and you will no longer be able to work.


I have read and understood the CPT regulations stated in the Curricular Practical Training Guide. I certify that the information I have given on this form is true and correct. By signing my name below, I am electronically signing my form. Type your full legal name here:

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