9 Steps for CPT Authorization

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a benefit for international students in F-1 status that allows temporary training authorization for an “alternative 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.â€

If you are interested in pursuing this type of employment authorization next semester or in a future term, please read through the steps of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization below to learn how to obtain CPT authorization for your upcoming training, internship, or off-campus employment opportunity.

CPT Authorization Steps

  1. STEP 1

    Eligibility Requirements

    Are you currently a degree-seeking student in valid F-1 status?

    Have you completed a Fall and Spring semester of continuous full-time enrollment in active, non-immigrant status?

    Have you reviewed the CPT information on the ISSS website?

  2. STEP 2

    Curricular Relevance

    Is the off-campus internship or training opportunity directly related to your current major field of study?

  3. STEP 3

    Integral to Degree

    Can you enroll in an internship course for credit that can count towards your degree or does the state that an internship is required for your degree program?

  4. STEP 4

    Enrollment Requirements

    Are you enrolled full-time at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder (or an authorized equivalent) in the Fall or Spring semester?

    Are you enrolled in an internship course for credit that could count towards your degree (applicable for most CPT experiences)? Enrollment in the course must be concurrent with the training.

  5. STEP 5

    On-Campus Presence

    Are you maintaining on-campus presence in the Fall and Spring semesters (and your final semester even if it is the summer)?

  6. STEP 6

    Offer Letter Requirements

    Does your offer letter meet these requirements?

  7. STEP 7

    CPT Dates

    If your CPT authorization will be based on an internship course:

    • Does your CPT start date begin after the previous semester ends and end before the first day of the next semester?
      • If it is your final semester: CPT must end no later than the final date of enrollment.

  8. STEP 8

    CPT Request E-Form

    Have you submitted a timely CPT Request in the MyISSS portal?

    • Requests should be submitted at least two weeks before your requested start date to allow time for your academic advisor/ GPA to sign the e- form and for ISSS to process the request.

  9. STEP 9

    CPT Authorization

    • Employment/training cannot begin until a new I-20 authorizing CPT is issued and it is within the CPT authorization period noted on that I-20.
    • Contact ISSS with questions.