Summer enrollment is required if your CPT authorization is for the summer (generally May-August), unless your practical training is required by your degree program with no course enrollment. The CPT course can be 1-3 credits during the 8-week summer term. Confirm summer enrollment requirements with your academic/faculty advisor and your employing department if you are a graduate assistant.
You must intend to enroll full-time during the following fall semester (or have an approved ISS RCL).
If summer is your final semester, you must meet the requirements in the section CPT During Your Final Semester.
CPT for students in an accelerated master’s program without a practical training degree requirement
F-1 Federal Regulations limits where and when F-1 visa holders can work while within the U.S. Students starting an accelerated master’s degree, that does not have a practical training requirement, in fall 2024 and after, will see a change in practice so that ISS is meeting the Graduate School rules and the Federal Regulations.
- Full-time CPT can be authorized in a fall or spring semester ONLY if there is a practical training degree requirement for all students in the program.
- CPT can be authorized part-time in fall or spring semester if student has remaining credits to be concurrently completed in the same term, physical presence in Madison is required to meet your in-person credits.
- CPT can be authorized full-time or part-time in the summer term for students who have been in valid F-1 status for at least 2 semesters
- If summer term is your final term, only part-time CPT can be authorized and physical presence in Madison is required to meet your in-person credits