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 .

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


What is the difference between a job and an internship?
An internship includes a learning objective; it is an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through experiential learning as a complement to the theoretical knowledge gained in an academic setting. International students can only be authorized for internships that are an integral part of their academic curriculum. A job is a position of regular employment.
How do I find an internship?
The best way to locate an internship is to work with the听 . The Career Center has dedicated advisors and resources to help students identify internship opportunities on and off campus. Learn more about internships at 大象传媒!
What if I find an internship on my own? How do I get approval to engage in this internship if it is not already offered through the Career Center?
Send an email to听 intern@fau.edu 听including any details you already have about the internship site (location, contact information, name of supervisor, dates of your internships, specific position title/description, etc.). An advisor from the Career Center will work with you to meet internship requirements for CPT eligiblity.
大象传媒 Tech Runway
大象传媒 Tech Runway/Research Park employment opportunities do not fall under the definition of on-campus employment and must be authorized as off-campus employment following Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policies for F-1 students and Academic Training (AT) policies for J-1 students. Please work with the听 听to determine if 大象传媒 Tech Runaway opportunities align with internship objectives.
When can I begin my internship?

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 AT handout for more information).

Do I need to get authorization from ISS in order to engage in the internship?

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 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.
Do I need to register for a course? What if I don鈥檛 need it for academic credit?
Yes. Only one internship course may apply per CPT authorization and the course must be taken concurrently with the CPT experience. The IDS 3949 professional internship course is authorized for up to two semesters and must be taken for each semester the CPT is being requested for. To view your internship course option, visit the听
Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to apply for or accept an internship offer?

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

Steps for Obtaining Authorization to Engage in an Internship:


Steps for obtaining authorization with the 大象传媒 Career Center to engage in an Internship:
  1. Fill out the internship application form with the Career Center. Contact an Internship specialist at intern@fau.edu to learn more about the internship program.
  2. After you secure an internship position and enroll into the Career Center's IDS 3949 professional internship course, submit your and supporting documentation (F1 Students) OR AT application 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.
  3. Apply for your Social Security Number (SSN) if you do not already have one. To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the
  4. Submit appropriate documentation to your employer/internship supervisor.
  5. Complete all internship program requirements by the deadline dates to ensure that you receive a Satisfactory grade for the internship course.
Steps for an internship opportunity through your Academic Department:
  1. Meet with the faculty advisor for the internship program to discuss internship options and requirements.
  2. Register for the internship course through your department
  3. After you secure an internship position and enroll into your internship course, submit your and supporting documentation (F1 Students) OR AT application and supporting documentation to International Student Services.
  4. Apply for your Social Security Number (SSN) if you do not already have one. To request SSN letter from ISS office please complete the
  5. Submit appropriate documentation to your employer/internship supervisor.
  6. Complete all internship program requirements by the deadline dates to ensure that you receive a Satisfactory grade for the internship/co-op course.


CPT Online Workshop and Quiz

How to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

Step 1: 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. Note: CPT applications without confirmation of 100/100 quiz score will not be processed)

CPT Online Workshop

Step 2: Please submit electronically听your 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 ISSS@fau.edu.

If you do not already have an SSN then please read below:

You do need the SSN in order to engage in a paid 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