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| When can I apply for CPT for the first time (New CPT)? |
| Please see the CPT application open dates on the first tab. |
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| What is the internship course fee? How much does CPT internship course cost? |
| The internship course costs one credit rate hour for one semester(16 weeks), and 0.5 credit rate for one session(8 weeks). You can find the credit hour rate on the University website - the tuition and fee webpage here: https://www.westcliff.edu/financial-aid/tuition-fees/. |
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| What is my CPT start date? |
| The earliest CPT start date is 30 days before the upcoming session/semester start date for current students. For new students, it is the session/semester start date if applications are processed in SEVIS prior to the start date. If applications are processed after the start date of the session/semester due to delays from incomplete application and supporting documents, then the earliest CPT start date will be the day it is processed. There is no backdating of start dates. |
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| When will I get my CPT? What is my CPT status update? |
| During periods of high volume of applications being received, please allow 7-10 business days for processing upon the submission of your application (excluding weekends and holidays). We will only process applications with completed and accurate documents. Any missing documents will delay the processing time and any additional submissions needed will put your application back in queue. To ensure that our team has sufficient time to process your application, please only check-in regarding your application status after 10 business days of a completed submission. |
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| What is the length of my CPT if approved? |
| In general, CPT is approved for 12 months. Renewals are required prior to the current CPT end date. The renewal process includes an Academic Review that may impact your length of eligibility. |
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| What if my G.P.A. impacts my CPT eligibility? |
| In general, students who do not meet the minimum required G.P.A. will be denied CPT renewal. Further recommendations will be provided on a case-by-case. |
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| What is the required G.P.A. in order to be eligible for CPT? |
| This is listed on the CPT application form and the CPT Cooperative Agreement (CA).The form and CA can be found on our website: University Forms |
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| At what point can I submit a request for a change of CPT employer? |
| During the CPT employment authorizations period (from the start date to the end date listed on page 2 of the CPT I-20), you can submit a 'Change of CPT Application' 7-10 business days prior to the change. If you are changing your employer during the 'CPT renewal window', which is around the end of a session or semester so that you can begin with the new employer at the upcoming start date, please submit a New CPT Application form instead. Change of CPT Application' form can be found on our website: University Forms. |
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| When can I apply for CPT Renewal? |
| Please see the International Affairs (IA) calendar Current Students on the first tab or subscribe to the Mailchimp to receive the notifications. Generally speaking, you can submit the CPT renewal form 30 days prior to the current CPT end date on page 2 of your I-20. |
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| Where can I find the Cooperative Agreement? |
| You can find the Cooperative Agreements (CA) on our website: University Forms |
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| Where can I find the CPT applications? |
| You can find the CPT Application form on our wesbite: University Forms |
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| What is a valid offer letter? |
| There is an Offer Letter template in the Cooperative Agreement (CA) for your reference. |
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| What is the difference between full-time CPT and part-time CPT? |
| Full-time CPT is over 20 hours per week and part-time CPT is 20 hours or under per week. The length of full-time CPT impacts the eligibility of the OPT whereas part-time CPT won't. |
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| How would full-time CPT affect my OPT? |
| To be eligible for Post-Completion OPT, you cannot participate in no more than 12 months of full-time CPT within the entire duration of your program. According to the regulations 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i), F-1 students who have received an aggregate of one year or more of full-time curricular practical training become ineligible for optional practical training (OPT) at the same educational level. During the CPT employment authorizations period (from the start date to the end date listed on page 2 of the CPT I-20), you can submit a 'Change of CPT Application' 7-10 business days prior to request to change from full-time CPT to part-time CPT. |
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| How do I know that International Affairs have received my CPT application? |
| You should receive a copy of your response as a receipt after completing the CPT form. Once you submit it successfully, the IA team will be informed. |
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| With CPT approval, what if I do not see the internship course listed on my GAP? |
| Upon receiving your CPT approval, students will be enrolled into an internship course automatically by the Registrar Office and the enrollment status will be updated the first two weeks of the session/semester in your SIS and GAP portal. Please contact professor for making up the missing assignments due to late enrollment. |
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| I have never been told to renew my application, can I still apply for CPT? |
| Please note that notifications to renew your CPT and requirement to receive CPT authorizations before engaging in any internship or employment have been mentioned in the New Student Orientation, NSO Modules, CPT application, Cooperative Agreement that you signed and submitted with your employer, and also on this reminder. Students have also certify in their CPT Application form and Cooperative Agreement that they understand the requirement of renewal and CPT authorization. It is the students responsibility to apply by our deadlines. |
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| How do I obtain my updated Form I-20 with CPT? |
SEVP Policy guidance from October 2021 announced that digital I-20s are now permanently acceptable, meaning that digital I-20 will serve all of your needs- simply print and sign for your records. The digital CPT I-20 will be sent to your Westcliff email address.
Please refer to Study in the States for more information. |
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| Can I start work before being enrolled in the internship course and receiving CPT authorization? |
| No, per SEVP guidelines, F-1 students must be enrolled in an internship course while participating in CPT and are currently attending classes. |
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| How can I request to be enrolled in the internship course? |
| F-1 students who wants to take an internship course and engage in CPT, must complete the CPT application to start this process. |
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| I paid for my internship course, how come I have not received my CPT? |
| Payment for internship course does not guarantee approval for CPT. Proof of payment of the internship course is only one of the requirements of the application process. |
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| Can I participate in CPT while on approved annual vacation? |
| Yes, students approved for annual vacation may participate in CPT as long as they are still enrolled in the internship course for the vacation period. |
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| What is the difference between CPT and OPT? |
| CPT is done during your program for credit and is approved by the DSO. Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be done as Pre-Completion or Post-Completion of the program, although it is most commonly done after the conclusion of the program. OPT applications should be submitted to USCIS for approval. Both CPT and OPT must be related to your program of study. Additionally, students with an approved STEM degree can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a 24 month extension to their OPT authorization. OPT I-20 Request form available on the University Forms webpage. |
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| How do I apply for jobs without a social security card and how do I apply for a social security? |
| Student can express to their potential employer that as an F-1 student, they can be authorized to engange in CPT or OPT, or apply for an EAD card. Students should let their employers know that once employment is secured, the student can apply for a SSN and receive the card (approximately 1-2 weeks). It is also important to note that students must have an employer, with an offer letter and I-20 with CPT authorization, a print out of their i-94 record, passport, in order to successfully apply for a SSN. When filling out onboarding paperwork or applications online, students can try putting all zero digits for the SSN in order to successfully apply. Instructions to apply for social security number is also in our Student Resource Booklet found here. |
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| Can I request copies of my old Form I-20s for OPT or for an RFE? |
| It is the student's responsibility to keep all of their Form I-20s. Form I-20s are issued to continuing students whenever a significant update (i.e.change in educational level, program dates, CPT/OPT, etc.) is required for the student’s record. Significant changes must be reported to the PDSO within 10 days of the change. Anytime a new I-20 is issued, students are required to keep their old copies for future reference. Always use the most recently issued I-20 for travel, work or other purposes. Please note when applying for other benefits such as OPT or H1B, you may be asked to provide copies of your Form I-20s either as part of your application or a request for evidence (RFE). It is the student's responsibility to keep their multiple I-20s in a safe place. |