Curricular Practical Training

Must currently be in valid F-1 status at NAU.

• Must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for two consecutive semesters without a gap in F-1 status.
• Have an employment offer in writing.
• Demonstration of continued enrollment in a full-course of study for the duration of the CPT period.
• Training is directly related to the program of study and is an integral component of the curriculum.
• Must receive academic credit for the training experience.
• Transfer students or students who adjusted their status from another visa category to F-1 while in the US should make an appointment with an ISSS advisor to discuss eligibility.

Students may not begin working at an off-campus position before receiving CPT authorization. Authorization comes in the form of a new I-20 with specified authorization dates on page 2 of I-20. Employment before or after the authorized dates is considered a violation of F-1 status and will result in termination of the student’s SEVIS record.

Work Hour Limits

• During fall, spring, and final-term summer semesters, F-1 students are limited to a total of 20 hours per week of off-campus employment or training.
• During official university breaks (winter, spring, or summer if summer is not the final semester), students may be authorized for full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week).

Note: Accumulating 12 months (365 days) or more of full-time CPT makes a student ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part-time CPT does not impact eligibility for OPT.

Changes in CPT

If the position in title or scope changes, the student must inform ISSS via email and provide the updated letters. You must always receive CPT authorization before starting any changed position.

CPT extension

CPT is granted per position, per period of authorization, and only one semester at a time. Students who wish to extend their authorization must request CPT authorization on iNAU.

Updated advisor and employer letters are required, reflecting any changes in position title, hours, location, or enrollment. The employer letter should also demonstrate growth in the student’s responsibilities as each CPT experience should show professional development.

Multiple CPT authorizations

If a student wishes to have multiple CPT authorizations concurrently, the student must apply for each additional training opportunity separately. This rule applies even if the employer or training site does not differ as CPT is authorized per position.

You will need to gather the following paperwork and submit it on iNAU.

Note: Do not start working before you are authorized. You may only begin the position both after you have received a new I-20 and once the approval date on the I-20 for CPT has begun.

1. Letter from the employer on official organization letterhead. This letter will need to include the following:
   • name and address of the employing organization
   • address where you will be located during training if different from above
   • title of your position
   • modality of your position (on-site, remote, hybrid)
   • brief description of your duties
   • exact start and end-date for the opportunity (remember you cannot work outside your authorization dates)
   • number of hours of training (employment) each week
   • statement confirming that the employer is aware that the proposed employment is part of your NAU degree program
2. Letter from academic advisor or internship coordinator on department letterhead. This letter must contain the following:
   • your name
   • NAU ID
   • major
   • expected program completion date
   • name of organization where you will receive training
   • brief explanation of how the proposed training opportunity is directly related to your academic program (major)
   • confirmation that you are enrolled in an internship or fieldwork course in conjunction with the internship/training opportunity that you are pursuing:
     • course title
     • number of credits
     • confirmation that the training opportunity is an integral part of your program of study and directly related to your major field of study
     • confirmation that you are in good academic standing
   • confirmation that CPT will not delay degree progress due to this opportunity
   • confirmation that the course/CPT is not offered for the primary purpose of facilitating employment
3. Photocopies of all previous work authorization I-20s, if applicable (all previous schools and degree levels).
4. Unofficial copy of your NAU transcript that shows proof of registration for the class in which you will receive credit for the work experience.

Once you have all the paperwork, you will need to upload the documents in iNAU. Your ISSS advisor will review your paperwork and, if all the requirements are met, will issue you a new I-20 and a CPT letter for your employer. Once you receive your new I-20 you may begin to work on the employment start date authorized on page 2 of your I-20.

If for any reason your employment ends before the end date indicated on your I-20, contact your ISSS advisor.