Curricular Practical Training Steps

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an opportunity for international students to complete an internship while pursuing their degree. All students, regardless of visa status, are eligible to work in the US for internship positions. Students on F1 visas must meet INS regulations.

   Since international students need to comply with INS regulations, there are additional steps you need to take when finding an internship, and should be completed BEFORE you start working at your internship. These steps are outlined below.

   • Find an internship. The Business Connections Center is here to assist you in your internship search. The UW handles all processing of work authorization so employers do not have to initiate this step. The Office of International Students and Scholars has written a letter that explains to employers their role in the Practical Training work authorization process. It is recommended that you print this and present it to potential employers.
   • CPT Paperwork: Once you secure an internship, there are several forms you must complete:
   • ISS Employment Authorization form: This form should be completed and signed by either the Assistant or Associate Director of MBA Operations in the MBA Program Office (Mackenzie 110).
   • CPT letter: In addition to the ISO Employment Authorization Form, you will need a CPT letter issued by the MBA Program Office. Requests for such a letter are made by submitting the Curricular Practical Training Request form. Requests for these letters should be made at least two working days in advance of when you need them. If you change the dates of your internship from what you originally indicated, you will need to request a second CPT letter from the MBA Program Office.
   • Bring your Curricular Practical Training letter,  ISS Employment Authorization and I-20 to ISS. ISS will ask you to complete an I-538 form (and a yellow form that captures your contact information), which will be submitted along with your practical training letter and original I-20 for examination. ISS will review and authorize (if you qualify) the employment by endorsing the I-20. You should allow up to one week for processing.
   • BA 560: All international students in an internship are required to register for the curricular practical training course, BA 560. This is a credit-bearing C/NC class that will not count toward your credits required for graduation and is offered every quarter. The Program Office will provide you with an entry code (and schedule line number). You must take BA 560 in the quarter you are working in your internship. If you are doing your internship during summer quarter, you can bump your BA 560 registration to fall quarter, as long as you are not on exchange program in autumn. If you extend your internship or work in a second internship, you will need to register for another section of BA 560.
   • When you receive your I-20 endorsed for curricular practical training, be sure to present it to your employer, who in turn will need to complete an I-9 form. You are now legally eligible to begin working. The CPT authorization on page 3 of your I-20 is your proof of eligibility, and together with your I-94 card may be used to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification form I-9 required by your employer.
   • If you do not already have a Social Security number, the ISS staff can advise you on how to obtain one.  A social security number is required in order for your employer to pay you.

   INS Regulations: You may be eligible for CPT if enrolled at a university on a full-time basis in the United States for at least nine consecutive months, and are currently in F-1 status. If you have any questions regarding CPT, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars.
   
   Where To Go: BCC is located in 202 Lewis Hall, Phone: 685-2410. ISS is located in 459B Schmitz Hall, Phone: 543-0841. Program Office is located in Mackenzie 110, Phone: 543-4661
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   Links to Additional Information:

   • Office of International Students and Scholars
   • MBA Student Handbook