Definition:

Curricular practical training is employment pursuant to a required or optional internship which is an integral part of the established curriculum at NJIT.

Eligibility:

You must be a degree candidate who has been in lawful status as a full-time student for at least one academic year. An internship must be part of an elective or required course in the regular curriculum (listed as a course offering in your school’s bulletin) or a specific university requirement to earn your degree. Students are not limited in the amount of curricular practical training they may utilize. However, you will be ineligible for practical training following completion of all degree requirements if you engage in one year or more of full-time curricular practical training.

You may engage in curricular practical training only after you receive your I-20 endorsed by a designated school official (advisor) in the Office of International Students & Faculty (OIS&F) to show such eligibility, and only for the specific employer, location, and period indicated on the I-20.

Procedure:

Submit the following documentation to the OIS&F at least 7 days before you wish to begin employment:

1. Completed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-538.
2. Your current I-20.
3. Learning Contract from the Division of Career Development Services.
4. An advisor form.
5. Proof of registration for appropriate cooperative education course for your department. 
6. A letter offering employment from your employer including the following information:

• beginning and ending dates of employment
• how many hours you will work weekly
• a description of duties in sufficient detail to clearly show them as appropriate to meeting the requirements of your internship
• location where employment will take place

The OIS&F staff will:

1. Review your application for eligibility.
2. If you are eligible, print page 3 of a new I-20 showing approval of CPT.
3. Notify USCIS of the approved period of curricular practical training.

Special Considerations:

If you are authorized for part-time curricular practical training during the academic year, you are required to register full-time.

If you are authorized for full-time curricular practical training during the academic year, you are allowed to register for classes on a part-time basis.

Curricular practical training which exceeds 20 hours per week constitutes full-time CPT. Students who engage in full-time CPT for twelve months or more prior to completion of studies will not be eligible for optional practical training (before or after completion of studies).

The objectives of curricular practical training are academic and not employment.

Permission for CPT will be limited to satisfying the requirements of field work, practical, or internships, as set by your school or department. There is, however, no limit to the hourly wage one may be paid.