Spring 2017 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Sessions

The Office of International Education (OIE) will offer CPT application sessions, which include information about travel, SSN application and more, for F-1 students who are eligible to use CPT for a summer internship.  If your department has an internship course that qualifies for CPT and you are planning to apply for CPT this semester, it is mandatory that you attend one of the following sessions.  We cannot schedule individual advising appointments to provide this information, so plan ahead to find a session that will fit your schedule.  Also, please be advised that CPT is tied to the summer academic term, so internships will be authorized for dates corresponding to the summer term: May 22 to Aug 15, 2017.

CPT cannot be authorized before May 22 or after August 15. If you want more flexible dates, you may wish to consider applying for Pre-Completion OPT instead.

You must be on time and bring the following items with you to the session:

• REQUIRED: Your passport.
• REQUIRED: The Advisor Recommendation for Curricular Practical Training form (see CPT instructions (pdf)) completed by an academic advisor, department head, or dean.
• REQUIRED: An employment offer letter (OIE will keep this copy – copies cannot be made at the session).  Underline/highlight the following required elements:
  • number of hours per week OR full-time/part-time
  • employer/company address with zip code
  • start date of employment (must be a date in the future)
  • end date of employment

Note: Firm dates must be included in the letter – OIE cannot accept  offer letters without this (e.g., “10-week internship").

To qualify for CPT, the employment must be either 1) a requirement for all students in the program or 2) a curricular option that earns credit towards the degree, has academic oversight and results in a deliverable for the awarding of grade/pass.

If your department does not have an internship course that qualifies for CPT or if you wish to intern for dates outside of the summer term but before classes start in fall, you may wish to apply for Pre-Completion OPT.  View detailed information about Pre-Completion OPT.

IMPORTANT: If your offer letter is missing information, you will need to contact your employer for another letter or a separate email containing the missing information. Print this and bring it with you to the walk-in session.

If you will be working as a contract employee for an agency, the letter needs to include both the complete address of your employer/hiring agency as well as the complete address of the work location.

•  REQUIRED: Proof of enrollment for an internship/practicum course.  Follow the instructions to print your course registration from SIO:
  • Click “Course Schedule”
  • “Semester Schedule”
  • Select correct term (ex: summer) for the correct year
  • Print the “List” version that shows BOTH the course name and number.

View a visual sample of the SIO screen (pdf).  Please consult to make sure you bring the right document!

At the session, you will receive further information about CPT, applying for a Social Security number and will submit your completed application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Spring 2017 CPT session dates are posted on The Bridge. You must register for a session in advance. To register:

1. Visit CMU’s The Bridge
2. View the CPT sessions by logging in. Click “Log In” in the top right-hand corner. You will then see all of the CPT sessions listed.
3. Choose the session that best fits into your schedule.
4. RSVP for the session.

Only students who have submitted an RSVP will be able to attend the session.

At the brief CPT session (15-20 min.) for which you register, you MUST arrive on time. Students arriving late will not be permitted to enter and must register for another session. At the session, you will receive further information about CPT, applying for a Social Security number and will submit your completed application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Spring 2017 CPT Sessions

Additional information can be found on The Bridge.