Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training is defined as an alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required practicum that is academically-required at TCU and offered by sponsoring employers. CPT originates from an academic necessity for work, and as a result, it must be required of all students in a program. It may either be required specifically in a particular class or it may be a programmatic expectation to fulfill degree requirements. Implied in this is a system of evaluation by the academic department and a beginning and termination date for a particular employment.

Students must be in F-1 status for at least 9 months before employment can be initiated and may not work full-time (over 20 hours including all assistantships and CPT employment) except during summer and winter vacation. CPT is a departmental privilege, and thus may be revoke for academic reasons at any time.

CPT Application Instructions

1. Download the CPT Recommendation Form from the ISS website. MBA students use theCPT Recommendation Form for MBA students;
2. Submit Section 1 of the CPT form to your academic advisor for completion;
3. Have your academically-approved employer complete Section 2 of the CPT form;
4. Sign and submit form to ISS at least 7 days prior to employment start date;
5. DDo not begin work until this process is completed and you have signed and picked up your new, work-authorized I-20 from ISS.

Faculty Advisor Information

1. The Recommendation Form includes one section that you must sign. This signature is an agreement that you approve the employment and will monitor the progress of the student. /li>
2. Employment is based upon academic requirements and the Code of Federal Regulations strictly prohibits CPT that’s sole purpose is to provide employment for F and J visa holders. Where applicable US students must be participating in work as well.
3. Requirements can not be informal:
   1. Employment based upon class requirements must indicate this in an official class document, such as a syllabus;
   2. Employment based upon degree fulfillment must include suitable language in the departmental section of the University catalogue.
4. Because employment is curricular, evaluation of student performance is mandatory. An academic agenda must drive the employment (and thus, completion of a class or degree is de facto completion of the employment).