Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Even unpaid curricular training such as nursing clinicals or practicums, student teaching, unpaid internships, and volunteer positions require an updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2 from the Office of International Education before students can take part. If you have any questions about whether an off-campus opportunity requires CPT, please schedule an appointment with an immigration advisor.

Elective CPT at UTA is based on enrollment in a credit-bearing course. You may not begin your CPT employment before receiving your updated I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2, stating the start date and end date of your current work authorization. The CPT authorization may begin as early as the day after the end of the previous semester and can last until the day before the following semester begins unless the student is completing their program.

OIE can process summer and fall semester CPT requests at the same time, provided that the request is complete, and the student has enrolled for both Summer and Fall CPT courses and offer letter covers employment dates for both. We would process Summer and Fall separately so both semesters are reflected on I-20 but based on the same request. CPT must be approved and begin by the mid-semester date of the semester.

Please note that because course credit is required for CPT, enrollment deadlines will affect eligibility. The last date to enroll is typically the last date of late registration for undergraduate students and census date for graduate students.