Curricular Practical Training

What Is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

CPT allows a student to work off campus with a company if the position is an integral component of her or his academic program of study.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students who have completed one academic year and have maintained their visa status may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Graduate students are eligible to apply immediately if their programs require early participation in an internship or practicum.

How to Apply

To apply for CPT, you must complete the following steps in order:

1. Make an appointment with the Office of International Student Affairs at least two weeks before the start of your employment.
2. Get a new I-20 with CPT authorization.
3. Bring an internship offer letter from your employer (on company letterhead stationery) to the Office of International Student Affairs. This letter must include the exact beginning and end dates of the internship, the number of hours you will work in a week, a description of your job duties, and the letter must be signed by your supervisor.
4. Contact Career Services, 216 Tremont Street, Sixth Floor, for instructions on the internship approval process. You will need to complete an internship learning agreement and have it signed by both your internship supervisor and your internship coordinator. Once completed, contact the International Student Affairs Office for final approval.

After Authorization

You must be granted authorization from the Office of International Student Affairs and receive a Social Security number before you can begin your Curricular Practical Training. Learn more about applying for a Social Security number »

Health Insurance Information for International Alumni During the Period of F-1 Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Emerson neither sponsors nor endorses health insurance plans for domestic or international alumni, including those alumni that choose to engage in an F-1 post –completion OPT experience.   Nor do we attempt to assess or recommend any particular health insurance plans since our alumni have varying needs and priorities and a plan that is well suited for one person may be ill suited for others.   However, we recognize that sorting through different plans can be challenging for some individuals and therefore recommend that you consider the following guidance before selecting a plan:

• Carefully review and fully understand the benefits and costs associated with the plan.

•   In particular, pay close attention to enrollment period restrictions, geographic coverage restrictions, periods of eligibility, insurance co-pays and deductibles, and exclusions as they typically vary from plan to plan.

•  If you have any policy coverage questions, contact the health insurance companies whose policies you are considering to ask those questions.

Please note that Emerson College’s Graduate Student Association is a member of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) and therefore Emerson graduate students are eligible to enroll in a United Health Care plan through NAGPS provided the student applies at least 31 days before the student graduates from Emerson College.  Information about this plan can be found at: https://www.uhcsr.com/nagps.    However, before enrolling in this or any other plan, we recommend you not only review the terms of the plan carefully, but also compare the plan to other available insurance options, to determine which plan best serves your specific needs.