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Curricular Practical Training FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Curricular Practical Training

  • Are there any circumstances in which an international student can volunteer off-campus and NOT need authorization?  Does all off campus volunteering require CPT authorization? 

  • Off-campus volunteer work is always tricky and you should always consult with your SISS advisor before undertaking it.  If the volunteer work is related to your major, you must obtain CPT authorization before starting it.  In other cases we would want to discuss the specifics with you before you start. 

  • When can CPT employment begin and end?
  • CPT employment can start the day after the quarter ends date of the previous quarter and end on or by the day before the instruction begins date of the following quarter as listed on the Master Academic Calendar.  For example: fall CPT can start as early as the day after Summer Session II ends and can end as late as the day before winter quarter instruction begins date.

    For students engaging in CPT in their final quarter, the employment end date must be on or by the quarter ends date of that final quarter.
  • What happens if I start work a few days before the authorization if finalized because I know it will be finalized? 
  • Starting work before you have the authorization on your I-20 is a status violation that could have negative repercussions on your ability to obtain other benefits in the future or even on your ability to re-enter the US.  You should NEVER start work without authorization.  
  • If I transfer from another school, do I have to wait 9 months to be eligible for CPT? 
  • If you maintained your F-1 Student status for a full academic year at the other school, you may be able to be authorized for CPT immediately.  Discuss this with an advisor.  
  • Someone told me that I can do CPT during the Summer and take the required class in Fall. Is this true? 
  • That is not correct. You must be enrolled in a research/internship unit in the same quarter/session in which you are authorized to do the CPT including for each Summer Session that CPT will be authorized for. If you are going to be engaging in CPT for the entire summer you will need to be enrolled in at least one unit for the entire Summer Special Session, or if not possible, one unit for Summer Session I and Summer Session II. Please note that Summer Session tuition and fees will apply.
  • I show that I am not in good academic standing, but it is not due to poor grades. Am I still eligible? 

  • If your OASIS record shows that you are not in good academic standing for ANY reason--GPA or failing to achieve minimum progress--you cannot be authorized for CPT. 

  • How many units do I need in order to do CPT? 

  • A single unit. Please consult your major advisor or graduate coordinator to determine which CRN to use. 

  • How many units do I need to take during the summer? 

  • If you are going to be engaging in CPT for the entire summer you will need to be enrolled in at least one unit for the entire Summer Special Session, or if not possible, 1 unit for summer session I and summer session II. Please note that Summer Session tuition and fees will apply.

  • What if I have a job that is longer than 1 quarter? 

  • This is not unusual.  You will need to request and obtain CPT authorization quarter by quarter and we authorize one quarter at a time.  You can use the same job offer letter each time if it lists dates that extend beyond a single quarter. You will need to be enrolled in at least one internship/research unit for each quarter you seek CPT authorization.  

  • I have a job/internship offer for next quarter; when should I apply for CPT? 
  • Our processing times for CPT authorization are officially ten business days once everything has been submitted, approved, and you have an advisor or coordinator recommendation.  To speed things up be sure that your employment letter meets all the criteria and alert your advisor or coordinator that they will be getting an email from SISS to provide their recommendation.  
  • Can I work remotely/virtually on CPT?
  • Remote/virtual work is allowed for CPT and students applying for CPT for a remote/virtual position should note the address of the employer and the address where the remote/virtual work will take place (it can be your home address if needed)
  • Employers are asking if I need sponsorship and/or if I am eligible for employment authorization inside the U.S. How can I answer that?
  • CPT is a work authorization benefit eligible to international students who are sponsored on a F-1 visa by UC Davis.
  • Are there UCD resources to help in the job/internship search and application process?
  • The Internship and Career Center (ICC) offers career advising and workshops, a Career Resource Manual, resume reviews and interview preparation, Internship and Career Fairs throughout the year, and much more!

 

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Curricular Practical Training Employment F-1