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Applying for CPT:

Requests for Fall 2024 CPT are closed.

Deadline to request Spring 2025 CPT Application: March 10, 2025

Deadline to submit completed Spring 2025 CPT Application: March 17, 2025

To request a CPT application, you must first complete the tutorial.

Click here for the CPT Request Form once you have completed the CPT Tutorial.

CPT FAQs:

Can I have two employers?

Yes, but you will have to complete two separate CPT applications. During spring and fall semesters, you are still limited to part-time CPT (a total of 20 hours or less per week).  During the summer term, you can work full-time (21 hours or more per week).

Can I be authorized for CPT and work on campus at the same time?

Yes, it鈥檚 possible to be approved for CPT while also working on campus.  In the fall and spring terms, a student may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and up to 20 hours per week on CPT.

I鈥檝e heard some schools allow 鈥淒ay-1 CPT.鈥 Does WSU do that?

Immigration regulations state that F-1 students are eligible for CPT after completing one academic year of study in the U.S. The only exception allowing students to participate sooner is for graduate programs that mandate immediate participation in an activity requiring CPT authorization.

Inquiries about 鈥淒ay-1 CPT鈥 are usually received from students searching for a way to extend their full-time employment authorization as they approach the end of their OPT.  This cannot normally be achieved because WSU policy limits CPT to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and because the student must engage in a full course of study while approved for CPT.  A good general principle of CPT is to approach it primarily from the curriculum perspective and secondarily from the employment perspective.  The school curriculum and not the desire for employment should be the primary focus during CPT.

I鈥檝e heard of other schools allowing full-time CPT every semester.  Can I have full-time CPT during fall or spring terms?

USCIS has general CPT rules, but every school has different CPT policies. At WSU, CPT during fall and spring semesters is generally limited to 20 hours per week.

What if I鈥檓 doing an unpaid internship? Do I still need CPT?

Yes, USCIS has said that even unpaid internships require CPT authorization.

Does CPT take away from my OPT?

Part-time CPT and fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT should not affect OPT eligibility.  Only if a student participates in a full year (365 days) of full-time CPT would OPT eligibility be affected.

Can I do CPT related to my minor?

Immigration regulations require CPT to be related to your major field of study. CPT cannot be authorized for a position related to your minor.

How long does it take to get CPT authorization?

CPT approval from start to finish will depend on how long it takes you to get the required signatures on the CPT form, enroll in appropriate CPT course, and OIE processing times.

I heard that every student gets to do a certain amount of full-time CPT. Is that true?

At WSU, full-time CPT is typically only authorized during summer terms and over the winter break, though some exceptions may exist for academic reasons.  Guaranteeing a certain amount of full-time CPT may be the policy at some schools, but not at WSU.

I want to do full-time CPT in my final term because I only have one class to take. Can I do that?

The number of hours you are allowed to work is not based on your course load. At WSU, CPT during fall and spring semesters is generally limited to 20 hours per week.

How early can I request a CPT form?

While students cannot begin participating in CPT until they meet the one academic year eligibility requirement, they can start the process of obtaining a CPT application in advance.