Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT/Internships for F-1 students
International students are welcome to apply for internships opportunities. The 大象传媒 Career Center and International Student Services (ISS) work closely to provide clear and appropriate guidance for identifying/securing internships and obtaining proper authorization under existing visa regulations.
For university information on internship options, visit the听 .
International students who are interested in engaging in internships must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (F-1 visa) or Academic Training (J-1 visa) authorization after they secure an internship through the 大象传媒 Career Center and before they begin the internship experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may begin your internship as soon as you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Career Center and ISS and you receive the proper authorization from both offices. You should only work during the approved CPT dates reflected on page 2 of your I-20.
Additional requirements for international students:
F-1 students must fulfill at least one academic year at 大象传媒 (two consecutive full-time semesters equal to at least 30 weeks minimum of credit seeking courses compliant with F-1 enrollment requirements) prior to being eligible for CPT, which in turn will allow participation in an internship
Exceptions:
Students who pursue a graduate level degree with a required practical component (immediate internship participation required) within the program of study may engage in CPT from their first semester at 大象传媒.
Students who are transferring from another program in the U.S. or starting a new program following a period of OPT may request CPT in their second semester of study at 大象传媒.
J-1 students may engage in AT any time during their program of study on a part-time basis (but this time will be deducted from the total period of AT eligibility; review the听 AT handout 听for more information).
Yes.
F-1 Students:
- Paid and unpaid on-campus internship positions may be authorized as on-campus employment if not exceeding 20 hours per week or as CPT if exceeding 20 hours per week (F-1 students). Please note that regular on-campus jobs cannot exceed 20 hours per week during fall and spring (but may exceed 20 hours per week during the summer session for students continuing enrollment from spring).
- Paid and unpaid off-campus internships must always have CPT authorization and may be authorized full-time or part-time depending on the internship criteria. ISS advisors will advise you accordingly.
- ISS limits CPT authorizations to no more than听 two semesters per degree level. While there is no regulatory limit on part-time internships, students who wish to engage for a third internship must meet with an ISS advisor prior to requesting the authorization. We must ensure that this opportunity continues to be integral to students' program of study (for degree credit or degree completion requirements) and establish new learning objectives with each CPT authorization.
- Students who completed all coursework except for thesis or dissertation credits may apply for CPT under the condition that the internship is required to collect research directly for thesis/dissertation
- Students cannot be approved for only CPT in their final semester; student must take a course required for degree completion in addition to CPT authorization in the final term to be considered for approval.
- 12 months of full-time CPT will cancel eligibility for OPT
J-1 Students:
- J-1 students must receive AT authorization for paid and unpaid internships on or off-campus. AT may not exceed 20 hours per week while students are enrolled in their program of study AT may be authorized full-time or part-time (min. 20 hours per week) after completion of the program of study.
An SSN is not required to apply for positions, however, you do need the SSN in order to engage in a paid internship. The SSN is only issued for paid internship (not for unpaid positions). You will be eligible to apply for the SSN after you receive the CPT or AT authorization.
Please read the Social Security application guide for more details. To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the听
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Steps for Obtaining Authorization to Engage in an Internship:
- Fill out the internship application form with the Career Center. Contact an Internship specialist at听 intern@fau.edu 听to learn more about the internship program.
- After you secure an internship position and enroll into the Career Center's IDS 3949 professional internship course, submit your听 听and supporting documentation (F1 Students) OR听 AT application 听and supporting documentation to International Student Services. Career Center and your academic advisor will also need to sign your CPT application form, which is to be submitted through the CPT e-form.
- Apply for your听 Social Security Number (SSN) if you do not already have one. To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the听
- Submit appropriate documentation to your employer/internship supervisor.
- Complete all internship program requirements by the deadline dates to ensure that you receive a Satisfactory grade for the internship course.
- Meet with the faculty advisor for the internship program to discuss internship options and requirements.
- Register for the internship course through your department
- After you secure an internship position and enroll into your internship course, submit your听 听and supporting documentation (F1 Students) OR听 AT application 听and supporting documentation to International Student Services.
- Apply for your听 Social Security Number (SSN) 听if you do not already have one. To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the听
- Submit appropriate documentation to your employer/internship supervisor.
- Complete all internship program requirements by the deadline dates to ensure that you receive a Satisfactory grade for the internship/co-op course.
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CPT Online Workshop and Quiz
How to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Step 1: 听Please review the online CPT workshop and complete the quiz before you submit the paperwork to International Student Services office. (When you receive a score of 100% Total Points 100/100. Please be sure to print your results to include your score, Email, Name, Z# and attach to your CPT application. 听 Note: CPT applications without confirmation of 100/100 quiz score will not be processed)
Step 2: Please submit electronically听your听 听 to the ISS office.
Step 3: It will take 5-10 business days to process your CPT request.
Step 4: ISS office will send out an e-mail to inform you the new CPT I-20 is ready.
听If you have any questions, please contact IS at 561-297-3049 or send an email to听 ISSS@fau.edu.
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If you do听 not 听already have an SSN then please read below:
You do need the SSN in order to engage in a听 paid听 internship. You will be eligible to apply for the SSN after you receive the CPT听 authorization. You will not be able to apply for an SSN for an unpaid position.
To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the听
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