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The CPT program is an employment option for off-campus jobs much like the OPT program. It is intended for students in their second or third year of studies or those who have been in F-1 student status for at least 9 months or longer. It is different from OPT because of the fact that the job for which you are applying is an integral part of your major and for which you will be receiving academic credit.
In order to qualify for CPT:
- You must be a Sophomore or above
- You must have a declared major
- You must have a job offer and a letter from the employer in a field related to your major (not minor)
- You must register for a “Special Studies” course in the department of your major for which you will receive at least 1-credit sponsored by a Smith faculty member. This course will be taken in the Fall semester following your summer CPT internship.
- You must complete a short application form
This course may be an independent study with a practical component. Or a course in your department which already has a variable credit given for independent research or study. CPT permission is granted by the Office for International Students & Scholars and there is no application fee.
You can download application forms for CPT (in Word format) from this website. They are also are available from the Office for International Students & Scholars in 124 Wright Hall or 303 Clark Hall.
The time you spend working on CPT is not deducted from your 12 month Post-completion Optional Practical Training program. You may apply for CPT during the summer of your second and third year of studies. The employment authorization page of your I-20 will specify the permission granted for CPT as well as the authorized period during which you can work. It will also have the name and address of your employer.
For further information, please contact the Office for International Students & Scholars.
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