Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Definition

Curricular practical training may be cooperative education or any other type of internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreement with the school.  It may also be offered through course work as an integral part of the established curriculum. 

Job Eligibility Requirements

To be considered curricular practical training, the work must not only be related to your major field of study, but must also be an integral or important part of your studies.  Training which is required by your degree program always meet the requirements for curricular practical training.  Training which is not required by your degree program, but contributes to academic development, may be considered curricular practical training if you receive academic credit for the employment experience.  If you have a training opportunity, which involves employment, check with the International Programs Office to determine if it qualifies as curricular practical training.

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Student Eligibility Requirements

 *You must be in lawful F-1 status and have at least a 2.0 BSU cumulative grade point average.

 *You must have completed nine (9) months of full-time study.

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Employment for 20 hours or less per week while you are enrolled for classes is considered “part-time” curricular practical training.  If you are given part-time employment authorization, “part-time” training will be specified on the back of your I-20, and you must limit your work to no more than 20 hours per week.

Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered “full-time” curricular practical training.  This would be approved only when school is not in session.

It is important to understand that if you participate in twelve months or more of “full-time” curricular practical training, you lose eligibility to apply for twelve months of practical training after you complete your studies.  Participation in “part-time” training does not affect your eligibility for post-completion practical training.

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Before you start your internship, go to the International Programs Office at 1136 Euclid to pick up the necessary forms and make an appointment to meet with the International Student Advisor.  Please bring the following to your appointment:

• Complete and signed I-538
  
• All original I-20 forms issued to you
  
• Completed and approved Application for Internship/Cooperative Education form
  
• A printout from the Registrar's Office showing you have registered for the internship credits

When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled “Employment Eligibility Verification” (INS Form I-9), which the employer retains.  The form I-9 must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission.

You will also need to complete a W-4 form (Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate) for tax purposes.  In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. less than five years are exempt from Social Security (FICA) taxes.  Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes.  Students must file a tax return on or before April 15 each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded.

While INS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status.  You should consult with the International Student Advisor before taking up any employment.  It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students.  If you fail to comply, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.

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International Student/Work          International Programs          Boise State Internship/Co-Op