Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students

What Is It?

• Off-campus work authorization for F-1 students who are currently pursuing degree programs at Brooklyn College and have completed one academic year.
• Employment must be related to student’s field of study and can be paid or unpaid.
• Typically issued for internships or short-term employment opportunities.
• Authorized by the Brooklyn College International Student and Scholar Services Office.

Duration of Employment

• Employment authorization is given on a semester-by-semester basis.
• CPT may be extended or renewed with advance approval.
• Generally, students are limited to part-time work (20 or fewer hours per week) during the fall/spring semesters and full-time work during the summer; some graduate students may be eligible for full-time CPT.

Processing Time

• Seven business days upon receipt of a complete CPT application to the office.

Student’s Role

• Verify eligibility for CPT.
• Obtain academic department approval and enroll in concurrent academic course as determined by academic department, if applicable.
• Submit complete CPT application to Brooklyn College at least seven business days prior to beginning employment.

Proof of Authorization

• A new CPT I-20 listing the authorized employer, address, dates of the authorization, and whether part-time or full-time employment has been granted on page 3.
• Work cannot begin until student obtains authorization.

Employer’s Role

• Provide student with an offer of employment.
• Request a copy of the CPT I-20 from the student for I-9 purposes.
• There is no cost to the employer, and the CPT application is entirely the responsibility of the student.