 |
|
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
- Question: Do I have to enroll in an academic course to do curricular practical training (CPT)?
Answer:Yes. Students must enroll in at least 9 units as a graduate or 12 units as an undergraduate, including an Internship course in their major each semester that they wish to do CPT. The Winter term can be included in the Spring CPT authorization. In summer, CPT may be approved with one internship course in the major. Full time study is not required in summer.
- Question: May I start working as soon as I turn in my CPT application to the IPS Office?
Answer: No. You cannot begin work until IPS gives you your new I-20 with the CPT authorization on it. Students must show proof of course enrollment, a job offer letter from the employer and the CPT Worksheet filled out by their department
advisor, before a CPT request will be processed. Processing takes one to three weeks on average.
- Question: My department is not offering a course appropriate for CPT this semester. May I take one offered by another academic department?
Answer: No. The course must be in the student’s major department.
- Question: What about doing CPT in my minor?
Answer: No. CPT can only be approved in your major department.
- Question: I have an offer now, but registration is already closed for this semester. May I begin work now and get credit for the course next semester?
Answer: No. The dates for the CPT must correspond to the beginning and ending dates of the semester when the credit is earned.
- Question: I can’t take any more courses until I pass the WST. May I enroll in an internship class and do CPT until I pass the WST?
Answer: No. Students who have failed the WST, who are on academic probation, who are in their first term back from DQ, or who are otherwise not making normal progress in their studies will not be approved for CPT.
- Question: I was in F-1 status for a year at my old school. This is my first semester at SJSU. When may I start CPT?
Answer:Student’s transferring from another U.S. institution to continue in the same degree program at the same level must complete one semester at SJSU with at least 9 units as graduate or 12 units as undergraduate enrollment. Students starting a new Bachelor’s, Master’s or Credential program will not be authorized for CPT until they complete two semesters at SJSU with at least 9 units as graduate, or 12 units as undergraduate enrollment, unless the practicum or internship is required of all students during their first or second semester.
- Question: May I take classes part-time and work full time on CPT?
Answer: No. CPT will not be authorized unless the student is full-time, defined as: 9 units for graduate students; 12 units for undergraduate students. Course credit hours for CPT count toward full-time status. CPT is authorized for part time work during Fall and Spring semesters. Full time CPT is only authorized during summer.
- Question: May I continue to do CPT, if I’ve finished all coursework and need it to complete my project?
Answer: Once you have enrolled in the required number of credits for graduation, no additional CPT will be granted.
- Question: What can I do if I’ve used all my CPT’s and still need to work to complete my project?
Answer:Students who have used all their CPT authorizations, may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if they believe even more work will be needed to complete their project. We advise that the OPT application be made 90 days prior to the requested start date, to allow for USCIS immigration processing time
- Question: How many times may I do CPT?
Answer:CPT will be granted for a maximum of two authorizations for students admitted to the College of Engineering in
Spring 2008 and later. For all others, three authorizations; this may include the project if necessary.
- Question: Can I apply for CPT with an approved reduced course load?
Answer: You may apply for CPT if you have an approved reduced course load your final semester of course work, working on thesis/project.
- Question: Can I apply for CPT with an approved reduced course load for academic difficulty?
Answer: IPS does not approve CPT for students that have petitioned for a reduced course load for academic difficulty.
Only students in good academic standing are eligible for CPT.
- Question: Can I apply for CPT with a reduced course load for medical reasons?
Answer: Generally students on an approved RCL for medical reasons are n12. t granted CPT,however, this may need to be determined on a case by case basis.
- Question: Is there any grace period for CPT which allows me to work before receiving the authorization or after the authorization has ended?
Answer: No, students are only authorized to work for the dates which are indicated on the CPT I-20. A student is NOT eligible to work on CPT while the application is pending. He/she is only authorized to work once the I-20 has been issued and the CPT start date on the I-20 has been reached. Students may not work beyond the CPT end date.
- Question: If I am returning to SJSU after having been academically disqualified, when am I eligible to apply for CPT?
Answer: Students returning to the SJSU after being academically reinstated must complete one or more semesters before being able to apply for CPT.
- Question: When can I apply for CPT after being on probation?
Answer: Students will not be approved for CPT until the Registrar has updated the University database to indicate the student’s academic standing has been changed to “good standing.”
- Question: If I extend my graduation, can I apply for CPT?
Answer: No, once all degree requirements have been reached, no additional CPT will be granted.
- Question: If I have registered for all degree requirements and then decide to change my program plan so that I still have required courses remaining in my new plan, am I eligible for CPT
Answer: No additional CPT will be granted after all degree credits have been taken. This includes students that have decided to change their program plan.
- Question: What proof of employment do I need to show my employer on CPT?
Answer: Page 3 of the new CPT I-20 is your authorization to work.
|
|
