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Definition of Curricular Practical Training: CPT is defined as REQUIRED by your academic department as alternate work experience, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or required practicum. Certain graduate international students in F-1 status may be eligible to apply for curricular practical training (CPT). More restrictive guidelines apply to undergraduate International student (see below).

Eligibility: Only specific cases qualify as CPT. At a minimum, students must be enrolled at Tufts University in full-time status for at least 9 months prior to seeking CPT. The work experience must be directly related to the student's major field of study; and, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, the CPT must be an integral part of the established curriculum. Student must obtain full-time credit and it must be registered on transcript.

Part-time vs. Full-time Curricular Practical Training: Part-time CPT is designated as 20 hours or less per week of work and requires concurrent full-time equivalent coursework during the academic year to maintain legal status as a full-time student.

Full-time CPT is considered to be any work experience consisting of more than 20 hours per week of work. Engaging in 12 months or more of full-time CPT renders a student ineligible for any post-completion practical training. A student who engages in full-time CPT must continue to be registered at Tufts as a continuing student.

Effect on Post-Completion Practical Training: Students who complete 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training (CPT) are NOT eligible for any post-completion practical training. The use of part-time CPT does not impact eligibility for OPT.

Exception to Nine Month Wait Rule: The requirement indicating that a student must be in full-time student status for at least nine months before applying for CPT is waived if the student is a graduate student in a course of study requiring immediate participation in CPT. The waiver will also require faculty approval.

Undergraduates:

• Must have declared a major;
• Must have been in full-time status and good academic standing for two consecutive semesters;
• Must have an internship for credit within their declared major field of study;
• Must receive credit on transcript;
• Must have a Tufts faculty member supervise the internship;
• Are not eligible for 9-month wait waiver.

Please note: Engineering students must first meet with Robin Kahan of Engineering Career Services to complete additional paperwork.

Graduates:

• Must be an integral part of their curriculum
• Must have completed all their required coursework unless otherwise required;
• Must have been in full-time status and good academic standing for two consecutive semesters;
• Must have an internship for credit within their field of study;
• Must have their Tufts Faculty advisor supervise the internship;
• Must receive full credit on transcript.

Undergraduate & Graduate Students Must submit the following documents to the International Center when applying for Curricular Practical Training:

• Photocopy of SEVIS I-20;
• Photocopy of I-94 card (both sides);
• Photocopy of Passport Identity page(s);
• Photocopy of Visa Stamp;
• Letter from your Tufts Faulty Advisor explaining the position (See below for details);
• Letter of employment from your prospective internship employer;
• Internship Agreement (this form only applies to Engineering students, and you can obtain it from Engineering Career Services at Dowling Hall).

Content of Advisor Letter for Application for Curricular Practical Training: With the understanding that the work experience is a REQUIRED component of your established curriculum, you may ask your advisor to write you a letter with all of the following information included:

• The course number for which you are registered and number of credit hours;
• A brief description of the position and how it is related to your area of study;
• The name and address of your employer;
• The title of your position;
• The number of hours per week you will work at the job;
• The EXACT START DATE and EXACT END DATE of the work experience;
• That you have been in good academic standing over the past two semesters;
• That you have been in full-time student status;
• Must state that the employment is an INTEGRAL part of your curriculum.

Once you have submitted all of the above requested documents, please allow 1 to 2 weeks for the International Center to process the application. Curricular Practical Training must be registered with SEVIS and will be listed on page three of your new SEVIS Form I-20. Please remember, that YOU MUST HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL CENTER-ENDORSED I-20 BEFORE STARTING CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING.