⚠️ CPT is currently only available for students who must do an internship to graduate. It must be a degree requirement for every student in the same major.

CPT work authorization is required for all paid or unpaid, full or part-time training experiences off-campus. 

CPT is only permitted before completing your degree. Taking one or more semesters off during fall or spring for an internship is not allowed. CPT can only be authorized for one semester at a time, and employment dates must match the semester start and end dates.

Enrollment in an approved internship course is required for CPT. When students take an internship course, they work off-campus instead of attending weekly class meetings on campus. The internship class instructor will explain the academic work and/or documentation required for grading and course credit. Credit (CR) or a passing letter grade in the course is required. 

Note: CPT is not intended for ongoing employment. Payment as an Independent Contractor is also not appropriate for CPT. If your internship does not qualify for CPT, you may consider applying for pre-completion Optional Practical Training, as an alternative.

• An internship must be a degree requirement for all students in your major
• Full-time enrollment in F-1 visa status (or another visa status which allows full-time enrollment) for a minimum of one academic year
  • Transfer students must complete one term at Cal Poly before being eligible
• Undergraduate students: good academic standing
• Graduate students: minimum GPA of 3.0
• Continue to make normal progress toward degree completion. CPT is not possible if it will delay your graduation date
• Able to earn unit credit for your major in a course determined by the academic department
• Continued enrollment in a minimum of 12 units during fall or spring semesters
• During summer, the only enrollment required is for the internship course

• Complete the mandatory CPT course in Homebase
• Meet with an Academic Advisor to determine eligibility
• Obtain a job offer letter on the employer’s letterhead that includes the following:
  • Employer letterhead
  • Start and end dates of employment
  • Paid or unpaid position
  • Part-time (must state 20 hours or less) or full-time
  • Full address of employer
  • Brief description of job duties
• Provide your offer letter to your advisor and meet to discuss course enrollment and relevance to your major
• Enroll in the course approved by your Advisor
• Email intlservices@calpoly.edu to request to apply for CPT. If you are deemed eligible, a CPT Request Form will be opened for you on the International Student Hub.
  • Detailed instructions are included in within the application.
  • You will use the same form to request a recommendation from your Academic Advisor.
• Once your application is complete and your recommendation has been received, CPT typically takes 1-2 business days to authorize. You will be provided a new I-20 once your CPT has been authorized. The I-20 and valid F-1 visa status are your proof of work authorization.

If you have questions during any part of the process, you may schedule a meeting with an International Student Advisor by emailing International Services.