INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to international students specifically in F-1 visa status.

CPT allows students to train in their field of study off campus via a paid internship, clinical, practicum, or other arranged off-campus learning experience.

In most cases, F-1 students cannot be authorized for CPT until they have completed their first year of study at Andrews University.

In addition, because CPT is also considered off-campus employment, special authorization is needed from a designated school official (DSO) in the Office of International Student Services BEFORE the CPT begins. If a student begins the off-campus employment before CPT is authorized by a DSO, the employment will be considered unauthorized by the Department of Homeland Security.

In order for CPT to be authorized, a DSO will need to determine the following:

  • The internship, clinical, practicum or other arranged off-campus learning experience is required by or integral to the student's program of study (this means that the student cannot complete the program of study without also completing the CPT)
     
  • The CPT is directly connected to a specific course that requires the CPT, and the student is registered for this course while in CPT
     
  • The student's academic advisor verifies that the CPT is required by or integral to the student's program of study and the employer at the off-campus site verifies the specific dates of the CPT correspond with the specific course taken that requires the CPT

You can begin the CPT authorization process by completing the CPT Authorization Form with your academic advisor - please follow all of the directions to avoid delays in the process.

If you would like to learn more about CPT, you can watch the recorded Fall 2022 CPT Workshop and read the accompanying presentation.

Finally, if an F-1 student is required by their program of study to participate in an unpaid internship, clinical, practicum, or other arranged off-campus learning experience, CPT authorization is not required. This is because the university sees this as experiential learning rather than employment.

Return to Homepage