Students must meet certain requirements before meeting CPT eligibility requirements:
- You must be in active F-1 status and enrolled for one full academic year (two semesters)
- The one academic year requirements noted above may be waived if you are a graduate student and your degree program requires immediate participation in CPT.
- The one academic year requirement noted above may be waived if you have been in certain other immigration statuses immediately before your F-1 status began.
- Your training is "an integral part of an established curriculum."
- Your training is "directly related to the student's major area of study."
- You will continue to be enrolled full-time during your CPT if authorized during Fall and Spring terms
- If you engage in CPT during a semester, you must maintain your full-time student status/enrollment at WNE by making the necessary arrangements with your department.
- You should continue to make progress in your academic program while on CPT.
You are NOT eligible for CPT once you have finished all degree requirements and after you have completed your program of study (i.e., all academic requirements met, you have defended your thesis/dissertation, etc.).
If you currently have CPT and wish to continue in the same position without interruption following your completion of studies, you must apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at least 3 months before your completion of studies date. Unlike CPT, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicate OPT applications so may take more time once you provide them with your new OPT I-20. Plan accordingly before you plan to graduate.
Important note: Students who engage in a cumulative 12-months of full-time CPT (20 hours or more) will not be eligible for post-completion OPT. Part-time CPT (20 hours or less) is unlimited and will not impact future OPT eligibility nor will it reduce your initial 12-months of OPT eligibility.
