Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Temporary off-campus employment authorization, in the form of CPT, may be granted to F-1 status holders to engage in “alternate work study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum, which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school” 8CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i).
As such, CPT is intended to provide F-1 status holders with required practical experiences that serve as an integral part of the established curriculum, prior to the completion of studies.
To meet the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s definition of CPT, the practical training must meet one of the following conditions:
- An established Drexel University cooperative education (coop) program (as outlined in the University’s Course Catalog)
- A required non-credit internship or practicum, as stated in the University Course Catalog and required by all students
- A related course for which a student will earn academic credit, which counts towards the degree
ISSS understands that an employment experience is highly sought after; however, unless the employment serves a specific academic objective and is an integral part of an established full course of study in progress and required for the completion of the degree program, CPT cannot be authorized. For any optional employment experience, please refer to our information regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT).
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Student must have been enrolled in lawful status on a full-time basis for one full academic year (three quarters)
- Student must be enrolled in a degree granting program (ELC students are not eligible for practical training
- 20 hours per week, while school is in session
- 20+ hours per week during official school breaks and the student’s annual vacation term
- 20+ hours per week during the regular academic year is only permissible if outlined in the program catalog, and required by all students to complete degree requirements. The student must be considered a full-time student for all other administrative purposes by the academic department during the full-time CPT participation
Duration of CPT Participation::
- Term by term authorization is required, unless otherwise stated by the University’s Coop program
- The authorization dates must fall within the specified academic term for which the experience is required, and the student is matriculated for the associated academic course
- Full-time CPT participation must cover the entire duration of the term and must begin prior to the add/drop deadline, and may end no later than the start of the following term