For F1 visa students aiming to enrich their academic journey with practical experience through internships or coding practicums, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a crucial step. Understanding the CPT application process and deadlines is essential for a smooth career step. This guide provides key answers and timelines to help international students effectively navigate their CPT journey.
Key CPT Information and Deadlines
To ensure your CPT application is processed efficiently, it’s important to adhere to specific document requirements and deadlines. Here’s a breakdown of the essential information you need to know.
Document Requirements for ORION
When submitting your CPT request in ORION, you must upload two critical documents:
- Offer Letter: A signed offer letter on company letterhead is mandatory. This letter must include:
- Name of Organization
- Internship Position Title
- Start Date
- End Date
- Hours Per Week
- Wages/Hourly Rate ($)
- Physical Work Location Address of Internship Assignment
- Manager/Supervisor Information (Name/Title, Phone Number/Email Address)
- Detailed Job Description
- Detailed Job Description: A comprehensive job description is a required document.
If any necessary information is missing from the formal offer letter, supplementary details from the employer via email, presented as a screenshot, can be combined with the offer letter into a single PDF document.
Winter Break Considerations
Plan your CPT submissions carefully around university closures during winter break.
Winter Break 2023-2024: The University was closed from December 23rd through January 2nd. CPT requests submitted to ISSO by December 13, 2023, were processed before the break. Normal processing resumed on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Winter Break 2024-2025: The University will be closed from December 23rd through January 1st. Check with ISSO for the last date to submit CPT requests for processing before the break. Normal processing will resume on or after January 2, 2025.
CPT Deadlines by Semester
Here are the key deadlines and start/end dates for CPT employment across different semesters:
Fall Semester Deadlines
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Earliest date to report an internship/experience in ORION: October 2, 2023
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Last day to report an internship/experience in ORION: Monday, March 18, 2024
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Earliest CPT employment start date: December 16, 2023
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Latest CPT employment end date for:
- Continuing students: May 27, 2024
- Students graduating in Spring 2024: May 10, 2024
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Earliest date to report an internship/experience in ORION: October 7, 2024
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Last day to report an internship/experience in ORION: Monday, March 24, 2025
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Earliest CPT employment start date: December 22, 2024
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Latest CPT employment end date for:
- Continuing students: June 1, 2025
- Students graduating in Spring 2025: May 24, 2025
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Earliest date to report an internship/experience in ORION: May 5, 2025
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Last day to report an internship/experience in ORION: October 22, 2025
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Earliest CPT employment start date: August 25, 2024
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Latest CPT employment end date for:
- Continuing students: TBC (1 day before Spring 2026 semester starts)
- Students graduating in Fall 2025: December 12, 2025
Spring Semester Deadlines
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Earliest date to report an internship/experience in ORION: February 5, 2024
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Last day to report an internship/experience in ORION: July 1, 2024
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Earliest CPT employment start date: May 11, 2024
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Latest CPT employment end date for:
- Continuing students: August 18, 2024
- Students graduating in Summer 2024: August 9, 2024
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Earliest date to report an internship/experience in ORION: February 3, 2025
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Last day to report an internship/experience in ORION: Monday, July 3, 2025
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Earliest CPT employment start date: May 25, 2025
-
Latest CPT employment end date for:
- Continuing students: August 24, 2025
- Students graduating in Summer 2025: August 23, 2025
Summer Semester Deadlines
- Earliest date to report an internship/experience in ORION: May 11, 2024
- Last day to report an internship/experience in ORION: October 14, 2024
- Earliest CPT employment start date: August 10, 2024
- Latest CPT employment end date for:
- Continuing students: January 20, 2025
- Students graduating in Fall 2024: December 21, 2024
Note: CPT approval is contingent upon course registration. F1 visa students must not commence work before receiving their I-20 work authorization from ISSO. Deadlines may vary slightly each year, always refer to the most recent information from ISSO.
Important Notes on CPT Application Process
- Processing Time: Allow 7-10 business days for CPT approval processing after submitting all required documents. Remember that university offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- Start Date: F1 students must request a CPT start date at least 7 days in the future. The I-20 will be issued with a future start date.
- Patience and Communication: Be patient throughout the process. You will receive email notifications at each stage. If additional information is needed, promptly follow the instructions and upload the requested documents to your existing request.
- Check ORION Status: Regularly review your request status in ORION:
- Go to the “Internship Request Status” tab.
- Select the request “In Approval Workflow” and click “Open Existing Request.”
- Check “Internship Approval Process” to see the “Pending” step (e.g., Career Center, Program Director, or Advisor). Allow 2 business days for each step.
- ISSO Final Approval: After departmental approvals, your CPT request is sent to ISSO for final F1 student authorization. Allow 3-5 business days for ISSO processing. ISSO will communicate the approval or denial via email.
- No Work Before I-20: Crucially, F1 students must not begin any internship or coding practicum work before receiving a valid I-20 with CPT authorization.
By understanding these guidelines and deadlines, international students can confidently take their next career step and successfully complete their coding practicum or internship. Always consult official ISSO resources for the most up-to-date information and any specific queries related to your situation.
