Integrated CPT FAQs

At Bay Atlantic University, eligible graduate students in F-1 status may participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) starting in the first semester when practical training is an integral part of their academic program. Integrated CPT allows students to begin employment or internships from the first day of their program, including paid or unpaid work in private, nonprofit, or government organizations, as long as it is directly related to their major and authorized by the university.

Students may work full-time (more than 20 hours/week) or part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during the program. Students must maintain valid F-1 status at all times. Additionally, CPT is authorized on a per-semester/session basis. CPT authorization for one semester does not automatically carry over; a new request must be submitted if the internship continues into the next semester.

Integrated CPT – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for CPT starting in the first semester?

To be considered for CPT as early as the first semester, students must:

Maintain valid F-1 status throughout the CPT period
Complete class registration for a full course load
Be enrolled in a graduate program in which practical training is an integral curricular component
Obtain a job or internship offer that is directly related to the student’s major field of study

2. Can students participate in CPT starting in the first semester on a continuous basis?

Yes. Eligible students may participate in Integrated CPT throughout their program and during official winter and summer breaks, provided they intend to register for the following required semester. CPT is approved on a per-semester basis and must be renewed each semester.

3. Is full-time or part-time employment permitted under CPT starting in the first semester?

Students may be authorized for part-time or full-time CPT early in your program, provided they maintain a full course load and remain in good or excellent academic standing.

4. When and how can students submit a request to renew their CPT authorization?

Students may submit a CPT renewal request after registering for classes for the applicable semester and before the start date of the new CPT authorization period.

To renew CPT authorization, students must submit either:

A new job offer letter, or
A recent employment verification letter if they are continuing with the same employer in the same position.

If the renewal request is for a new position or employer, academic advisor approval is required before CPT can be authorized. If the student will continue in the same position with the same employer, no additional academic advisor approval is required.

Students may not continue working until the renewed CPT authorization has been approved and the updated CPT authorization is reflected on their Form I-20.

5. What information is required in an Integrated CPT job or internship offer letter?

The employment offer letter must include:

Employer’s letterhead and physical address
Job title and detailed description of duties
CPT start date
Number of work hours per week

Incomplete or noncompliant offer letters may delay or prevent CPT authorization.

6. I am in my final semester during the Spring, but I want to do full-time CPT. Is this allowed?

Full-time CPT during a required semester (Fall or Spring) is only permitted if you are enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits and are completing your final degree requirements.

7. Can I switch to a different company during Integrated CPT?

Yes. Each CPT authorization is employer- and period-specific. To switch employers, you must inform the DSO so that the current CPT can be ended in SEVIS and a new CPT authorization can be issued for the new employer. Employment may not begin with the new employer until the new CPT is authorized.

8. My internship starts in the Winter break and continues into the Spring semester. Do I need two separate authorizations?

Yes. CPT is approved one session at a time. You must submit a request for the Winter break and a subsequent request for the Spring semester. You will need to provide a recent employment verification letter and ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate academic credit for both sessions.

Compliance Notice

Integrated CPT authorization is granted in accordance with 8 CFR §214.2(f)(10)(i). Students are responsible for maintaining valid F-1 status and complying with all enrollment, employment, and reporting requirements. Unauthorized employment constitutes a violation of F-1 status.

View General CPT FAQs

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