Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an authorized period of work which is directly related to a student’s program of study. F-1 students must have completed one full academic year (two semesters) of full-time study to be eligible for CPT unless the student’s academic program requires immediate participation in a relevant off-campus practicum or internship for pay or credit. CPT must be completed before a student finishes their academic program.

Federal regulations require CPT to meet several criteria that include being an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school; being an integral part of an established curriculum; and being direcly related to their major or program of study. CPT experiences must be for credit or, if not for credit, required for all students in the program.

To ensure that CPT experiences conform with federal regulations, Marquette follows the CPT application process below to establish that the proposed CPT experience is part of a course that is listed in the course catalog (Bulletin) with an assigned course number, has an established grading or evaluation component, and is offered at a cooperating employer who has an established relationship with the University for this purpose. CPT experiences extending more than a week before or after the term in which the the student is enrollment in the designated course will normally not be approved. CPT during the academic year is limited to no more than 20 hours per week and an overall 120 to 1 work hours to credit ratio. CPT during the summer may be full-time but is limited to an overall 180 to 1 work hours to credit ratio.

Application Process for CPT

Step 1:

Refer to the information above and determine if your internship or practicum meets the definition of CPT. It is also suggested that you read the excerpts from the government regulations related to CPT.

Step 2:

Meet with your College or Department’s internship coordinator to complete the form “Request for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Authorization." Register for the corresponding class. Once your internship coordinator or faculty advisor has completed the form and attached the supporting documentation (course description/information about how your grade will be assessed and job description on company letter head or from their site - with company identification), you are ready to meet with an OIE advisor. Be sure to request the required information from the internship coordinator when you meet with them. 

Step 3:

Submit your CPT request form, job description and course information to your OIE advisor. You can request an appointment to meet with your OIE advisor to receive authorization or you can bring the required materials to OIE. (Appointments can be made by calling 414-288-7289 or visiting OIE.) Students who meet with their advisor will likely leave the appointment with the CPT authorization on a newly issued I-20 Form. Students who bring the documents to OIE will be emailed (approximately 4 to 5 business days later) to collect their new I-20 Form with the CPT authorization. 

Students seeking CPT authorization must receive permission from a DSO BEFORE starting employment. Plan ahead: Your completed CPT application must be received by OIE at least two weeks before you plan to begin work.