Who Can Apply
A degree-seeking F-1 student who:
- Has been enrolled full-time for one full academic year in valid U.S. immigration status:
- Academic year = Consecutive Fall and Spring semester enrollment;
- A transfer student who transferred their I-20/SEVIS record to UW-Madison may qualify if they were previously enrolled full-time enrollment for one academic year;
- A UW-Madison student who changed education levels and was issued a “change of level” I-20 (not “Initial attendance”) may qualify;
- A student who has an approved change of status to F1 may qualify depending on their previous visa status and full-time enrollment for one academic year. Please see an ISS advisor for clarification.
- Is maintaining valid F-1 status.
- Has an offer for a practical training opportunity directly related to their major and degree level as listed on the I-20.
- Is enrolled in an appropriate course for CPT (as determined by the department), or a practical training opportunity/internship/practicum is required to earn the degree.
- Participation in CPT cannot delay graduation when it is not a degree requirement.
ESL and non-degree students (VISP, exchange, certificate) are not eligible for CPT.
Types of CPT
There are two types of CPT:
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Required by your degree program
- ISS requires documentation from the UW-Madison Guide as part of your CPT application. You must include, at minimum:
- Course number or non-credit requirement
- Name of faculty teaching the course
- Course description and objectives
Optional or elective of your degree program
- Course enrollment in a CPT course is required (generally 1-3 credits). Talk to your academic/faculty advisor and an appropriate career advisor for possible CPT course enrollment options and permission to enroll. Common CPT courses include:
| College of Agricultural & Life Sciences | wdt_ID | College of Letters & Science | College of Business | College of Engineering | Dissertator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departmental 399 Course | 1 | Inter LS 260 | GB 450, 451, 750, 751 | ECS co-op | Dissertator research credits |
| 3 | |||||
| Inter-Ag 340 | 4 | ||||
| 5 |
Independent/Directed Study
Enrollment in directed/independent study courses for practical training experiences should have a written plan of study and should be no more than 3 credits, unless you are a graduate student who has completed all coursework requirements and has an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL)- coursework completed. Undergraduates must follow UW-Madison policy for directed/independent study enrollment.
Notes regarding CPT course enrollment:
- You must be enrolled in a CPT course during the semester in which your employment occurs.
- Be aware that adding a CPT course may have an impact on your tuition and fees.
- Failure to complete the CPT course will result in your falling out of legal F-1 status.
- Students who are engaged in thesis/dissertation work and have finished their coursework are still eligible for CPT, only if the CPT is an integral part of their thesis/dissertation or research.
If these do not fit your situation, or you do not want to enroll for an optional/elective of your degree program for your practical training experience, then Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be an option. You can review the CPT-vs-OPT Handout to assess which option is right for you.
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