Off-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off-campus work authorization for F-1 students, allowing internships or practicums that are part of their academic program. Offered through agreements between schools and employers, CPT must be tied to academic credit and be an integral part of the curriculum.

CPT is primarily an academic opportunity, not just a job. It can be part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (greater than 20 hours per week). Students should review CPT rules and requirements before seeking opportunities.

All CPT opportunities must be reported in Handshake in addition to getting an approved CPT Request from your international advisor, to do so follow these steps:

  • Log into your Handshake account at https://mst.joinhandshake.com.
  • Click on the “Career Center” page, and select “Experiences” to request a new co-op experience.
  • Please enter the requested information on the page.
  • Click on the “Request Experience” button at the bottom of the page to submit the experience.
  • Select the “New Attachment” button to attach the required offer letter.
  • After submitting the experience, you can review the information. If you find an error, edit the experience and update the submission.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

To qualify for CPT, you must:

  • Be in valid F-1 status and maintain it during CPT.

  • Be in good academic standing (not on probation or deficient).

  • Have completed one full academic year of full-time study at Missouri S&T or another USCIS-approved U.S. institution.

  • Apply before completing your degree program.

Degree Completion Definitions:

  • Undergraduate/Non-thesis Master’s: Completion means meeting all catalog degree requirements (e.g., credit hours, GPA).

  • Thesis Master’s/Doctoral: Completion includes meeting catalog and research/thesis requirements. CPT courses must appear as incomplete on Form 1A/5A. Contact Graduate Studies for updates. Once a thesis/dissertation is defended, CPT eligibility ends (OPT may be available).

Not Eligible for CPT:

  • F-1 students in language training programs.

  • Undeclared or multi-disciplinary undergraduate students.

  • Students with approved program extensions.

  • The job must be directly related to your major and match your degree level.

  • It must be an integral part of your curriculum, meeting at least one of these:

    • Required for all students in the program

    • Required for a specific track or course

    • Needed to complete an educational objective

  • Paid or unpaid positions are allowed.

  • CPT is employer- and date-specific.

  • Your academic department must review your offer letter and approve the job as curriculum-related.

  • Start date: No earlier than the day after final exams of the previous term, and no later than the last day to enroll in the CPT term.

  • End date: No later than the day before the next term begins, or your degree completion date if it's your final semester.

  • Your offer letter must include:
    • Company name
    • Start and end dates of employment
    • Designation of full-time or part-time and number of working hours per week
    • Wage / salary information (all co-ops and internships), if applicable.
    • Physical work address
    • Position title
    • Job description and position responsibilities
    • How the practical training relates to the student’s major field of study

  • CPT must be part of the curriculum and the course is to be taken for academic credit.

  • You must maintain full-time enrollment (fall/spring); summer enrollment is usually optional unless it is your first semester.

  • You must enroll in at least one credit hour of a course directly related to your CPT during the term the CPT occurs.

    • Acceptable courses include: 
      • Cooperative Training (at levels 2002/3002/5002/6002)
        • Cooperative Training. All undergraduate students must complete an experiential learning course prior to graduation. Enrollment and participation in an internship or cooperative training will satisfy the degree requirement.
      • Internship (at levels 3085/4085/5085/6085)
        • All undergraduate students must complete an experiential learning course prior to graduation. Enrollment and participation in an internship or cooperative training will satisfy the degree requirement.
      • Special Problems (at levels 1000/2000/3000/4000/5000/6000)
        • This course requires participation in an internship or co-op. The employment position must offer direct experience in the student’s degree field and offer additional learning beyond the classroom setting.
      • Research (at levels 4099/5099/6099)
        • All thesis students are required to conduct research within the topic of their dissertation. If materials, equipment, software, or other research tools are not available on campus, an internship or co-op is necessary.

  • The course must:

    • Include regular oversight throughout the term

    • Be approved by your academic/program advisor

    • Require an internship or co-op to earn credit

  • You must continue making normal progress toward your degree.

  • Only one online course (up to 3 credits) per term may count toward full-time enrollment.

When to Apply:

  • See the ISSS Calendar for acceptable dates.

Review CPT Form in your ISSS Gateway Portal

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

  • Must relate to your major and be part of your curriculum

  • Use Handshake, COER, or career fairs

Step 2: Get an Offer Letter

  • Must include: company name, dates, hours, job duties, location, and relevance to major

Step 3: Submit CPT Request 

  • Explain academic relevance to this internship/co-op opportunity.

  • Advisor must approve and sign. If your advisor is unavailable please include your department chair as your approver.

  • GA/GRA/GTA students must discuss workload conflicts with their supervisor/academic advisor.

Step 4: Register Co-op in Handshake

Step 5: Enroll in CPT Course

  • At least 1 credit, tied to your CPT. Must include internship/co-op as part of course.

Step 6: ISSS Processing

  • I-20 updated with CPT details (employer, dates, hours)

Step: 7 You may now Start Working

  • Only for approved employer, dates, and hours on I-20

Continue to Maintain F-1 Status throughout your CPT 

  • Stay enrolled (if required), update address, report job changes

  • Track CPT use; 12+ months of full-time CPT can affect OPT eligibility

Note: You are responsible for meeting the requirements for OPT, which includes not exceeding 1 year of full-time CPT.

Important Considerations

  • Your I-20 end date may not be extended if you have been approved for CPT at this academic level.  CPT cannot be approved following an extension.  Please carefully consider your ability to complete all degree requirements no later than the end date on your I-20.
  • Full-time CPT is limited to less than one year (364 days or less).  This time is calculated as a sum of all your full-time CPT approval and may not be consecutive.   F-1 students who exceed one year or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT.