Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training is an employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work off-campus in a work/study program. This may include an internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with Mizzou.

Eligibility

  • F-1 student in lawful status for one full academic year.
  • Pursing a degree that requires an internship or other practical training for all students in the degree program.
  • Have a job/internship offer that is directly related to your field of study.
  • Receive academic credit and a grade for the internship.
  • Have been offered a position in writing before CPT can be approved — CPT is employer-specific (employment can be paid or unpaid).
  • Have a cooperative agreement signed between the employer and Mizzou.

If you are unsure if you qualify for CPT, please meet with your international student adviser.

Part-time CPT (20 hours per week or fewer) is permissible during the fall and spring semesters.

Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) is permissible during the summer and official school breaks. In specific cases, full-time CPT may be granted during fall and spring semesters if a full-time internship is required for all students in the degree program.

Application process

You can apply for CPT at any time that you meet the qualifications.

  1. Receive a job or internship offer that is related to your field of study and required by your department or adviser. The offer letter should include:
    • Job title
    • Brief description of the goals and objectives of the training program (employment)
    • Dates of employment
    • Location of employment
    • Number of hours per week
    • Name and address of your training supervisor
  2. Meet with your academic adviser to discuss your internship plan. They will complete a recommendation in myStatus when you make a request.
    • Your academic adviser will need to provide proof that the internship is a degree requirement along with proof of a cooperative agreement between Mizzou and the employer.
  3. Enroll in the CPT course for the semester(s) in which you are applying for CPT.
  4. Submit a CPT request in myStatus. You will need to upload a copy of your job offer letter.
  5. Wait up to five business days while your request is processed
  6. Receive your new I-20 with CPT authorization on the second page.

Things to remember

  • Full-time CPT for 12 months or more cancels out your eligibility for OPT.
  • You may be authorized for as much part-time CPT as is necessary to fulfill internship or practical training requirement of your degree program.
  • Even if the internship is unpaid, you must still obtain CPT authorization.
  • CPT can only be authorized for a specific job; the job cannot change during CPT.
  • You cannot begin employment until you receive your new I-20 and the CPT start date has passed.
  • If you change your mind about CPT or lose your job, you must notify International Student and Scholar Services immediately so your CPT authorization can be canceled.

Athletes and name, image, likeness

Student athletes who pursue NIL deals in the United States must be authorized for CPT prior to signing a contract. The work that takes place as part of the contract must be required for degree completion. The eligibility and application process outlined above still apply.