CPT FAQs

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows eligible F-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study while completing their academic program.

Yes. Beginning with students starting in Fall 2026, practical training is incorporated as an integral component of Bay Atlantic University’s master’s degree programs. F-1 students enrolled in eligible master’s degree programs may be eligible to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their first semester, provided they meet all university and immigration requirements.

No. Undergraduate F-1 students must complete one full academic year before becoming eligible for CPT, in accordance with federal regulations and university policy.

F-1 students enrolled in eligible master’s degree programs may be eligible to participate in CPT during their first semester at BAU, provided they meet all university and immigration requirements.

F-1 students enrolled in eligible master’s degree programs may be eligible to participate in CPT during their first semester, provided they meet all university and immigration requirements.

F-1 students enrolled in eligible master’s degree programs may be eligible to participate in CPT during their first semester, provided they meet all university and immigration requirements.

Practical training is incorporated into the curriculum of eligible master’s degree programs to support students’ professional development and career readiness. Students should consult with their academic advisor regarding program-specific requirements.

CPT opportunities must be directly related to the student’s field of study and meet the academic requirements established by the university. Opportunities may include internships, cooperative education experiences, practicum placements, and other approved professional training experiences.

Yes. Remote, hybrid, and in-person opportunities may be eligible, provided they meet academic requirements and receive the necessary university approvals.

Students may participate in either part-time or full-time CPT, depending on their academic program requirements and university approval.

Yes. Students must secure a qualifying training opportunity and receive university authorization before beginning employment.

Students may change employers while on CPT. However, they must notify the DSO and submit a new offer letter from the new employer and obtain their academic advisor’s approval before beginning employment with the new organization.

Students may begin employment only after receiving CPT authorization, obtaining an updated Form I-20 with the approved CPT endorsement, and on or after the authorized CPT start date.

Yes. Students may continue CPT employment during breaks and between semesters. However, CPT authorization must be renewed as soon as they complete the registration and before the first day of class of each new semester. Students should contact the DSO well in advance to initiate the renewal process and ensure there is no lapse in authorization.

Yes. Students may work for more than one employer under CPT simultaneously, provided that the combined total working hours do not exceed 40 hours per week. Exceeding this threshold would classify the combined employment as full-time CPT, which counts toward the 12-month limit that affects OPT eligibility. Students should consult with the DSO before taking on multiple CPT employers.

Yes. Students who accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT will become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon program completion. Students should consult with the DSO to monitor their CPT usage and plan accordingly.

No. Part-time CPT does not count toward the 12-month limit, regardless of the total duration. Students who participate exclusively in part-time CPT remain fully eligible for OPT upon program completion.

Yes. CPT must begin and end before you complete your program and fulfill all graduation requirements. Post-completion OPT, in contrast, begins after your program has ended. You may submit your OPT application up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after. Therefore, you may apply for OPT while still on active CPT; however, the two authorization periods will not overlap.

Before applying, students must meet the following eligibility and documentation requirements:

1. Have completed the course registration at BAU.
2. Have an active SEVIS record at BAU.
3. Submit the CPT request form, completed, and signed by your academic advisor.
4. Provide a job offer letter clearly stating the job description, start date, employer’s name and physical address and working hours.

Students may contact the Admissions Office, Academic Advisors, or Designated School Official (DSO) for additional information regarding CPT eligibility and authorization requirements.