CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is authorization for employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum with an official course description listed in the Ball State University undergraduate or Graduate bulletin and is directly related to a student's major area of study. It may be defined as: alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education (Co-Op) or other type of required internship practicum. The potential employment must be related to a student's major, and to a specific course in which the student has enrolled.

CPT can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week). Students registered for part-time CPT during a fall or spring semester must also be full-time students and be registered for a full course of study. Students engaged in part-time CPT during summer vacation do not need to be registered full-time for classes. Students who complete 12 months of full-time CPT are not eligible to engage in OPT.

Students must be in legal status which includes, but is not limited to:

• Possessing a valid passport
• Being registered as a full-time student each and every semester (excluding summers)
• Having been in F-1 student status for at least one full academic year.

How to Apply for CPT?

To apply for CPT you will need to sign up for an appointment with a Center for International Programs Immigration counselor by calling 285-5422. Schedule the appointment after preparing the following documents:

1. Valid passport
2. Current Form I-20
3. Curricular Practical Training Certification Form  (link to BSU Form): completed by Academic Advisor/Counselor, Department Head, Dean, or Faculty Co-Op Coordinator (for undergraduate students in the Co-Op program)
4. A job offer from your prospective employer which indicates in the body of the letter:

•  if the position is full- or part-time (specify the number of hours per week)
• the location (street address) of employment
• the beginning and ending dates of employment