Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at Amherst College

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of work authorization specific to international students in F-1 status.  CPT is intended for off-campus practical experience that is integral to the curriculum and directly related to a student’s major.  

How can I learn more about CPT?

Am I eligible for CPT?

How do I apply for CPT?

How can I learn more about CPT?

Each Spring, the OIS offers a series of workshops to help students understand CPT.  Beyond these workshops, students are encouraged to email us or book an advising appointment to learn more.

 

Am I eligible for CPT?

To be eligible for CPT at Amherst College, a student will have to meet the following criteria:

  • Have been in full-time student status in the US for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing at Amherst College
  • Be pre-registered for Learning by Doing: Internship and Fieldwork Reflection (COLQ 390U) for the fall semester immediately following the summer employment/internship
  • Have received a summer employment/internship offer that directly relates to the student’s declared major, have obtained a CPT Verification Letter from the employer, and have the employment/internship offer approved by the professor teaching COLQ 390U
  • Be studying on-campus in the fall semester immediately following the summer employment/internship in order to participate in and complete COLQ 390U

 

How do I apply for CPT?

To apply for CPT, follow these steps:

  1. Receive a summer employment/internship offer for a position that is directly related to your declared major.
  2. Enroll in COLQ 390U for the fall semester immediately following your summer employment/internship.
    1. If pre-registration is not available to you, be sure to register for the course as soon as you can.  You do not need to be pre-registered in the course in order to apply for CPT, though you will ultimately jeopardize your F-1 status if you do not complete the COLQ 390U course in the semester immediately following your summer employment/internship.
  3. Prepare required documentation:
    1. Obtain a CPT Verification Letter, completed and signed by your employer.
    2. Review and save a copy of your most recent I-94 record, reflecting entry to the US in F-1 status.
  4. Submit the CPT Request Form.
    1. Be prepared to provide the following in the CPT Request Form:
      1. Documentation listed above
      2. Information about you and your major
      3. Contact information for your academic advisor and professor of COLQ 390U
        1. Contact information for the COLQ 390U professor is provided in the request form for those who cannot pre-register and do not yet know who their professor will be.
      4. Details of your summer employment/practical training experience
      5. Statement of direct relationship between your major and your summer employment/practical training experience
  5. Wait for your academic advisor and professor of COLQ 390U to approve/deny your request.  You will receive automated emails to inform you of your request's progress.  If your academic advisor and/or professor of COLQ 390U requests more information from you, edit and resubmit your original CPT Request Form submission.
    1. Your academic advisor will be asked to confirm whether:
      1. You have formally declared the major/s listed on your request form
      2. Your employment/internship is directly related to your declared major/s
      3. You are in good academic standing
    2. Your professor will be asked to confirm whether:
      1. You are enrolled in (or, if pre-registration is not yet open, you will be eligible to enroll in) the CPT-eligible course for the term noted in your request form
      2. Your employment/internship is approved for inclusion in the CPT-eligible course
      3. The course description provided in the request form is accurate
  6. If approval is received from your academic advisor and professor of COLQ 390U, expect the OIS to issue your CPT I-20 in 1-3 business days.  You will receive a confirmation from the OIS once the CPT I-20 has been issued.


If you have any questions about CPT at Amherst College, please do not hesitate to email us.