Policy Information 

Policy Name: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Policy

Owner: Provost/Senior Vice President

Author: Director, Office of International Programs

Contact information: Callie Ronstrom, cronstrom@css.edu

Effective Date: 01/02/2026

Next Review Date: 01/02/2031

Applicable Laws, regulations, compliance:  Federal Statute

I. Purpose

This policy establishes institutional requirements and federal compliance practices for authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 international students at The College of St. Scholastica. In accordance with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i), CPT permits eligible students to engage in off-campus employment that is an integral part of their established curriculum, directly related to their major field of study.

This policy applies to degree-seeking international students in F-1 status who are requesting CPT authorization. The policy ensures institutional compliance with U.S. immigration law, supports student academic success, and preserves student visa status.

II. Definitions

 

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) – A type of temporary work authorization that allows F-1 international students to engage in employment that is integral to their academic curriculum.

DSO (Designated School Official) – A campus official authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to manage SEVIS records and authorize CPT on behalf of the institution.

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) – The federal database used to track and manage records of F-1 students.

Full-time CPT – More than 20 hours of work per week.

Part-time CPT – 20 hours or less of work per week.

III. Policy

A. Eligibility

1. Students must be in valid F-1 immigration status at the time of CPT application and for the duration of their authorized employment.
2. Students must have completed one full academic year (fall and spring semesters) of full-time study before beginning CPT, unless the student is enrolled in a program that requires earlier participation as part of the established curriculum.
3. Students must be enrolled in a full course of study, defined as at least 12 credit hours per semester, while participating in CPT during the fall and spring terms. A reduced course load must be approved in advance by a Designated School Official (DSO) in accordance with federal regulations.
4. During official academic breaks (e.g., summer), students are not required to maintain a full course of study to engage in CPT, unless it is the student’s first or final term. However, CPT authorization and enrollment in an associated internship or experiential credit-bearing course remain required during these break periods.

B. Academic Integration

1. CPT employment must be directly related to the student’s declared major field of study.
2. The employment must be an integral part of the established curriculum. This requirement is satisfied if the experience:
   • ○Is a required component of the academic program, or
   • ○Is connected to an elective or experiential learning course that carries academic credit and fulfills a degree requirement.

C. Institutional Oversight

1. The College must maintain documentation supporting the academic relevance of each CPT opportunity.
2. A formal agreement must exist between the College and the employer outlining the educational objectives, nature of the work, duration, and supervision expectations.
3. CPT opportunities must be approved by the academic department offering the credit-bearing course linked to the training experience.
4. All CPT-linked courses must be reviewed and approved through appropriate academic processes, include defined learning objectives, assessment components, and instructional oversight, and comply with the College’s Assignment of Credit Hour Policy.
    

D. Authorization Requirements

1. CPT must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS before a student may begin employment.
2. CPT authorization must specify the name of the employer, work location, start and end dates, and whether the student is approved for part-time or full-time work.
3. CPT may not be approved retroactively under any circumstances.
    

E. Workload and Duration

1. CPT may be authorized as full time (over 20 hours a week) or part time (20 hours or under)
2. Students who accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT are no longer eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation.
3. Students may extend CPT from fall semester into winter break to complete internship requirements. In this case, faculty will assign an IP grade for the course until all work and learning objectives are fulfilled.
    

F. Compliance

1. All CPT participation must comply with federal immigration regulations and academic standards established by The College of St. Scholastica.
2. Failure to comply with this policy may result in denial or revocation of CPT authorization, termination of SEVIS records, and loss of lawful F-1 status.

IV. Individuals and entities affected by this policy

• Undergraduate international students in F-1 status
• Designated School Officials (DSOs)
• Faculty and academic departments offering CPT-linked courses
• Office of International Programs
• Registrar’s Office

V. Related documents, forms, and procedures

CPT Student Guidance

CPT Student Request Form

CPT Faculty Approval Form

CPT Cooperative Learning Agreement Template

VI. History and updates

The College reserves the right to modify policies at any time, ensuring the involvement of relevant committees and constituents in the decision-making process (e.g., policy committee, faculty assembly, staff council, student government association, etc).