Helpful Tips for International Students

Curricular Practical Training

Definition

Students enrolled in a college, university, conservatory, or seminary, whose training programs are ”an integral part of an established curriculum“ may apply to the international student advisor for curricular practical training (CPT) authorization. Such training is defined as ”alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum“ which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreement with the school.

Eligibility Criteria

1. You are maintaining lawful f-1 student status.
2. You have completed at least nine (9) months of full-time study.
3. The internship must either be a major requirement, a specific course requirement, or part of a cooperative education agreement between Riverland Community College and a company. It cannot be used to fulfill elective requirements.

Instructions for application

Application materials can be picked up in the International Student Office. If you meet the above eligibility criteria, you will need to make an appointment with an advisor in the ISO to obtain CPT authorization on the back of your I-20. The following items are required before the authorization can be granted, so please them to the appointment.

1. Current I-20
   » PDF Format (File Size: 124 KB)
2. Completed and signed I-538 form, Section A
   » PDF Format (File Size: 120 KB)
3. "Curricular Practical Training Academic Advisor Verification Form" completed and signed by your advisor.
   » PDF Format (File Size: 84 KB)
4. Current unofficial transcript.
5. Photocopy of the pages in the Riverland Community College Catalog which show the internship is a required part of your major or a specific course.
6. Documented proof of enrollment in internship credits.
7. Offer of employment letter from the company/institution where you will work; including the name of the company, location (city and state), brief job description, dates of employment and number of hours per week.