Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with Iowa Wesleyan College. CPT is off-campus employment or internship required to complete the student’s degree or program of study.
At Iowa Wesleyan College, Curricular Practical Training(CPT) is typically known as an internship or Field Experience. USCIS requires that these experiences be an integral part of the student’s curriculum and be related to their major.
To be eligible, students must:
- Be in lawful F-1standing
- Have completed at least one academic year of full-time study
- Work with the Office of Student Life to gather and submit all necessary documentation for application
There is no limit to the amount of CPT students are eligible for. However, if 12 months or more of full-time CPT is used, students forfeit their Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility. Accrual ofpart-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.
Students must have a job offer to be eligible for CPT authorization. CPT authorization is company specific and will end whenever work ceases with the company indicated on the I-20 or when the CPT end date indicated is reached. If the student stops working for the company initially authorized for, s/he MUST notify the Student Life Office immediately. Another internship/employment may not be begun without a new authorization.
Employment is limited to part-time, 20 hours per week,during the academic term. Students must be enrolled full-time and continue to maintain F-1 status to be eligible. If working for more thanone employer, the total number of hours per week cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term.
To apply for CPT, students should gather the following documents and then schedule an appointment with the Dean of Student Life:
1. Faculty Advisor’s Recommendation for Curricular Practical Training (available in the Student Life Office).2. Employment Offer Letter (letter must include the following information):
a. First and Last name of student
b. Employer’s name and address at which student will be training/working
c. Job title
d. Specific job duties
e. Exact dates (beginning and ending) of the training/work period
f. Anticipated working hours per week
3. Student’s current Passport, I-94, and I-20.
