Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

The Basics

CPT is an F-1 authorization for paid and unpaid positions with non-Georgetown organizations during a program of study. Eligible positions include employment, internships, fellowships, practicums, etc.

CPT must be directly related to the student’s major field of study and integral to the program’s established curriculum.

Students become eligible after two semesters of full-time study unless their program’s curriculum requires earlier training.

Withdrawal from the internship course voids CPT authorization. An elective internship course cannot be a student’s only course in their final term.

Application steps are detailed below. A new Form I-20 reflecting authorization will be issued in accordance with OGS processing times. Activities for the role must not be begun before receiving it.

The Application

• 1. Determine CPT Eligibility
• 2. Employer Offer Letter
• Start and End Dates
• 3. CPT Request Form
• 4. Email Complete CPT Request to OGS
• 5. Need More CPT?

1. Determine CPT Eligibility

Check how your program’s curriculum incorporates practical training experience: CPT-Eligible Course List. Undergraduate students must have declared a major as part of CPT eligibility.

Complete the Canvas CPT Module and download your 100% score on the CPT Final Quiz as proof you understand the conditions of this F-1 authorization.

2. Employer Offer Letter

Organization must confirm these details in writing; see our sample offer letter [PDF]:

• Position title and description of activities for the role
• Supervisor’s name, title, and email address
• Organization’s street address, even if the role is remote
• Number of hours per week: During required academic terms, hours may not exceed 20 in any week totaling all roles (paid or unpaid, on-campus or off-campus).
• Position start and end date: See range of possible start and end dates below.

3. CPT Request Form

Enroll in your curriculum’s internship course if applicable.

You complete the first page of the CPT Request Form (PDF); your academic program completes the second page.

4. Email Complete CPT Request to OGS

Attach these files in an email to internationalservices@georgetown.edu. Do not begin any activities for the role until you receive via email the updated Form I-20 notating CPT authorization on page 2 and the CPT start date occurs.

• 100% CPT Final Quiz score
• Offer letter with all required details
• CPT Request Form (PDF) signed by student on page 1 and academic program on page 2

Incomplete requests delay authorization. Please review OGS processing times.

5. Need More CPT?

If your current CPT employer has offered you a brief extension of your role, complete the CPT Extension Request Form (PDF) and email it along with documentation from your employer of your proposed new CPT end date (i.e., email or updated offer letter) to internationalservices@georgetown.edu to request an extension of your CPT authorization. Requests for extensions must be submitted with enough time for OGS’s current processing time to occur before your existing CPT end date.

If your current CPT employer has offered you a role during an additional term, you must submit a new, complete CPT application. The job description in your new offer letter must indicate that you are assuming more sophisticated responsibilities and developing new skills. You must pause your employment between your current CPT end date and your future CPT start date if applicable.

OGS does not limit the number of CPT authorizations F-1 students can be granted. Some academic departments may have academic limits on the number of internship courses students may take. CPT must remain integral to your curriculum and cannot be used to simply facilitate employment.