APPLYING FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING
Students holding an F-1 visa who have not graduated and who wish to
work off-campus (i.e., during vacation periods or during the semester), must apply for
appropriate work authorization. There are two options:
Curricular Practical Training and
Optional Practical Training . Most students choose to apply for
Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING
Students may not engage in CPT for the primary purpose of
employment. Rather, the work must be an "integral part of an
established curriculum, ... directly related to the student's major
area of study," and "essential" (though not "required") for completion
of the program.
To obtain the CPT work authorization, the department must confirm that
a) Student is in good academic standing
b) Student is enrolled for an internship course worth at least 3
academic units that count toward a degree.
c) The course is listed in the regular bulletin of course offerings
d) A Faculty member is assigned to "teach" the course
e) The Course has a clearly defined description and course objectives
The advisor must complete a form certifying that
s/he will supervise the work conducted in your practicum.
If the advisor feels that the work does not meet the requirements listed above,
s/he should not make the recommendation. In that case, the student could/should
apply for Optional Practical Training instead.
HOW TO APPLY FOR CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING
- Fill out and ask your advisor to sign the
Advisor Certification Form,
and give it to Deb Cavlovich.
- Deb will then provide you with a Departmental Recommendation form.
- Make an Appointment with the Foreign Student Advisor (X8-5231). Take the following items to your appointment:
- Original offer letter on company stationary
- Completed department recommendation form
- Deb will register you for 36 units of 15-998 Computer Science Practicum.
Check your courses enrollment page (at the Hub) to make sure you are enrolled before you go to OIE.
The foreign student advisor will review the paperwork, and if
everything is in order, will authorize the training on the back of your I-20
form.