You can do part-time or full-time CPT during your final semester only if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are enrolled for traditional, on-campus credits that are required to earn your degree (including dissertator credits)
- Your on-campus course enrollment is for the full duration of the final semester
- Fall/spring semester: 15 weeks
- Summer term: must match or exceed the dates of your CPT course summer term enrollment
- The CPT end date does not go beyond the date that final grades are due for that semester or your current I-20 end date, whichever date is earlier.
It may be difficult to do CPT outside of the Madison area during your final semester, especially for students in a coursework only degree program (no thesis/dissertation requirement). If you have a practical training offer outside of Madison, you must submit a copy of your on-campus course syllabus to show your in-person meeting times. Students in dissertator status may request an exception to the physical presence status if it is supported by their academic advisor.
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