CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)
Would you like to take advantage of practical training while still taking courses? CPT enables students on F-1 visas to have hands-on experience related to their majors while studying at Ensign College. This includes (1) an official internship or practicum, and (2) class projects for off-campus companies or clients. CPT is your route to gaining on-the-job skills that enhance your program, and is a great addition to your resume.
For complete information, please visit the International Students Office or review our CPT policy.
Important Information
To qualify for CPT authorization, you must:
- Have completed one academic year of full-time study (two consecutive semesters at Ensign College.)
- Be a full-time student.
- Have and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Be enrolled in a course connected to the CPT authorization.
- Request CPT Work Authorization from the Ensign College DSO in the International Office—the work must be related to your "Major 1" on your Form I-20.
Except for students who are taking their annual vacation semester, all CPT authorizations will be “part-time.” Part-time CPT authorization allows you to work up to 20 hours a week. Anything over 20 hours is considered “full-time.”
Steps to apply for CPT Authorization for Internships or Practicum Opportunities:
- Complete the internship/practicum application to ensure the job meets internship requirements for your major.
- Register for the internship or practicum course in MyEnsign.
- Complete the CPT Authorization Form.
- Submit the completed CPT Authorization Request E-Form.
Receive CPT Authorization on your Form I-20.
You cannot begin work until you have been authorized for CPT and it's updated on your Form I-20.
CPT Authorization Dates
| CPT Semester Requests | Spring 2025 | Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 |
| Earliest Possible Start Date | April 14, 2025 | August 18, 2025* | December 15, 2025* |
| Latest End Date for Continuing Students | August 29, 2025 | January 2, 2025* | May 1, 2026* |
| Latest End Date for Graduating Students | August 15, 2025 | December 12, 2025* | April 17, 2026* |
*Indicates draft dates that are subject to change
Recommendations for Documenting Your Internship/Practicum:
In some cases, when you apply for a different immigration benefit, such as OPT, USCIS may ask for additional documentation for experience connected to your CPT authorization(s). To help you be prepared for such requests, we recommend that you get a letter from your supervisor before the end of your internship with the following:
- Name of employer
- Dates of employment
- Number of hours worked per week
- Position held
- Brief description of duties performed
- Location of employment
Salary earned
Make sure the internship office has a cooperative agreement with the company you worked with.
Process for courses where CPT Authorization is recommended:
If you are in a class that includes projects for off-campus clients, we strongly recommend getting CPT authorization for that work. Doing work for off-campus companies or clients is considered a job, even if you are not paid. If you do not get CPT authorization for this work, it may endanger future immigration benefits.
When registering for courses, look at the course description to see if CPT is recommended. If you are planning to take a course that recommends CPT, and would like CPT authorization for the course, you need to register for the course no later than one week before the first day of the semester or block.
We recommend that you get a letter from your instructor before the end of the course that outlines:
- The company
- Project details
- Estimated hours spent per week
- How it related to course outcomes
Feel free to contact the International Student Office at international@ensign.edu, or 801-524-8142.