Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study while still enrolled in their academic program. This practical training must be an integral part of the curriculum and is typically undertaken as part of an internship, cooperative education program, or other types of work experience required by the academic program.

CPT authorization must be granted by the university’s designated school official (DSO), and the employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study. CPT is available only while the student is still enrolled in a degree program and before the completion of studies. There are both part-time and full-time CPT options, depending on the academic requirements and the specifics of the employment opportunity. Students who complete 12 months of full-time CPT will not be eligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT Snapshot

• CPT is a program in the U.S. for international students with an F-1 visa.
• It lets students gain work experience related to their field while still in school.
• The work must be a part of their academic program (registered for credit).
• Students need authorization from their DSO to do CPT.
• CPT can be part-time or full-time, depending on academic requirements.
• It's only available while students are still studying, not after they graduate.
• CPT must be authorized before a student can begin working.
• Students can only work during the authorized dates.

To receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, students must complete these steps:

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you're eligible for CPT. Generally, you must have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year (except for certain graduate programs requiring immediate CPT).
2. Find a Job: Secure a job or internship offer directly related to your field of study. This job should be a part of your academic program, providing practical training.
3. Begin Process to Register for Academic Credit:
   1. Undergraduate students: contact acd@viterbo.edu to report that you’ve found a job or internship and want to register for academic credit.
   2. Graduate students: contact your academic advisor to report that you’ve found a job or internship and want to register for academic credit.
4. Consult with Designated School Official (DSO): Schedule a meeting with your DSO at your academic institution to discuss your intention to apply for CPT.
5. Complete Application Form: Complete the CPT application form in Etrieve. You must include details like the job description, employer information, and proposed start and end dates of employment. You must attach a job offer letter from your employer with the application form.
6. Receive Authorization: After submitting your CPT application, schedule an appointment with your DSO in Starfish to pick up your new Form I-20 with CPT authorization noted on it.
7. Maintain Status: Once authorized, ensure you adhere to the terms and conditions of your CPT authorization, including maintaining full-time enrollment and following any restrictions on work hours.
8. Report Changes: Keep your DSO informed of any changes to your employment, such as job title, employer, or work location, as these may require updates to your CPT authorization.

Viterbo University Designated School Officials

Melissa Giefer
International and ESL Program Coordinator | Designated School Official
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Viterbo University
Office: Nursing Center Room 420
Office phone: 608-796-3197
Make an appointment here.

Kenneth Felts
Director | International Admissions | Primary Designated School Official
Viterbo University
Office: Reinhart Center Room 145
Office Phone: 608-796-3171
Email krfelts@viterbo.edu for appointments. 

Social Security and CPT

Students need a Social Security Number (SSN) to engage in paid Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in the U.S. When students are employed for CPT, they are considered employees, and thus, they usually need an SSN for tax and employment purposes.

If you don't have an SSN yet, you can apply for one after securing a job offer for CPT. See the process for applying for a Social Security Number here.