Internships in the U.S.:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
F-1 Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of off-campus employment designed to give F-1 visa holders the opportunity to apply knowledge obtained in academic programs to a practical work experience. The immigration regulations state that the employment must be an integral part of an established curriculum. The student may engage in alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
Eligibility
The Office of International Education (OIE) can authorize CPT for you if you have completed nine months of study at ASC as a full-time student (If you have left the country after falling out of status, and have returned to ASC as an "initial entry", you must fulfill the nine-month in-lawful-status requirement after returning as an initial entry.)
Documentation must demonstrate that the proposed employment meets one of these two conditions:
- Training is required of all degree candidates in the program and is necessary for the awarding of the degree. At Agnes Scott College, only economics and business majors are required to complete a three-credit hour internship (EC 450).
-OR-
- Academic credit will be awarded to a student from the training. Also included in this category is employment that will result in the award of at least one course credit for an independent study. In both of these cases, you must be registered for the course during the period that you are working under CPT authorization.
If the director of international education or the international student adviser verifies that both you and the job meet the eligibility requirements, you will then:
- Obtain an internship offer letter on company letterhead that includes a job description, the beginning and ending dates of the proposed employment, and the number of hours per week that will be worked;
- Obtain a letter from your academic adviser stating that the CPT is directly related to your academic program, if the CPT is optional or required, and if academic credit will be received.
- Submit proof of registration for the CPT if you are earning credit for the experience; you can download the 450 internship form or pick one up from the Office of International Education or Office of Career Planning. Please note that you must be registered for CPT credits in the same semester during which the work will be done, i.e., you must be registered for CPT credits in the summer if you will be working in the summer.
The employer’s information and dates of the CPT will be entered in SEVIS and you will be issued a new I-20 indicating the CPT information on the third page.
Beginning and Ending the CPT
You may begin CPT on the start date indicated on your new I-20 on page 3. A CPT does not require approval from the CIS. This work authorization is valid only for the specific employer, location, time period and on a part-time or full-time basis as approved and recorded on your I-20 issued for CPT. You must not continue employment beyond the date authorized unless you apply and are granted an extension of your permission to work. To work without authorization is a violation of your non-immigrant student status and will render you illegally present in the United States.
Part-Time and Full-Time CPT
Part-time CPT is 20 hours or less per week while you are enrolled for classes. The employment authorization written on the back of your I-20 ID copy will specify permission to engage in part-time training and you must limit your work to no more than 20 hours per week. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in part-time CPT, but you must be simultaneously enrolled in order to maintain lawful F-1 status.
Full-time CPT is more than 20 hours per week, regardless of whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time for classes. The employment authorization on your I-20 ID copy will specify permission to participate in full-time training. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in full-time CPT; however, if you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for post-completion practical training.
Social Security Number
If you plan to work in the United States, you will need a valid Social Security number. To apply, please come to the OIE to get an authorization form to take to the local Social Security office. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will process your application and a number will be sent to you within the time frame given by the SSA at the time you apply.
Taxes
In general, F-1 students who have been in the United States for less than five years are exempt from Social Security taxes (also known as FICA tax). You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer because many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax laws. If you need more information about the F-1 Social Security tax exemption, please contact the OIE. F-1 students are subject to all other taxes that may apply-federal, state and local.
Employment Eligibility Verification
Within the first three days of beginning work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled Employment Eligibility Verification (CIS Form I-9). This form will be kept on file by your employer and must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission. Your I-20 endorsed for CPT should meet I-9 requirements.
Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations
It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations, including employment regulations. Working without the proper authorization is a serious violation of your student status. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students and, in some situations, may be subject to deportation. Prior to accepting any employment in the United States, you are urged to consult with the director of international education or the international student adviser.
More Information
For more information about Curricular Practical Training, contact Clementine Hakizimana, international student adviser, at Buttrick 106A, 404 471-5383 or chakizimana@agnesscott.edu.