Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students to engage in training that is an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to their major area of study. CPT should be driven by students’ curriculum not by their desire for employment.

We hope this page will help students to gain a better understanding of CPT. 

CPT Application Process

CPT Frequently Asked Questions

Upcoming CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Info Sessions via Zoom

On Fridays, 12:30PM-1:30PM on following Fridays:

Zoom meeting link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/6156596035

  • October 4, 2024
  • January 17, 2025 
  • April 4, 2025
  • June 27, 2025

Below is a comparison chart of CPT and Pre-completion OPT. To learn more about pre-completion OPT, please visit this page. 

  CPT Pre-completion OPT
Application Reviewed by International Student Advisor at UW Tacoma United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Fee None $410
Offer from Employer Required Not required
Internship Class Required (must register before the deadline to add a class) Not required
Processing Time 5 business days 90 calendar days or longer
Hours per week Up to 40 hours/week Limited to 20 hours per week while enrolled in classes and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
Post-completion OPT Implication Loss of eligibility when full-time CPT authorization is active for 365 calendar days. Otherwise, no impact.** Time spent on Pre-completion OPT will be deducted from 12 months of Post-completion OPT.