Important Update: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Eligibility
Updated September 2026
In August 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued two Broadcast Messages providing additional guidance to universities regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
These communications reflect a more restrictive interpretation of when practical training may be considered an “integral part of an established curriculum” for purposes of CPT authorization.
In response to this guidance, the UNH Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) has updated its CPT eligibility and review practices.
Effective immediately, OISS will authorize CPT only when the proposed practical training is required for completion of the student’s degree program. Generally, this means that the internship, practicum, cooperative education experience, or other practical training must be an established curricular requirement that students in the degree program must complete in order to earn the degree.
An internship or practical training experience that is optional or elective does not qualify for CPT even if:
- the experience is related to the student’s field of study;
- the student may receive academic credit for the experience; or
- the student enrolls in an internship, independent study, or similar course associated with the experience.
If a student can complete the degree without participating in the proposed practical training experience, OISS generally cannot authorize CPT for that experience under the current SEVP guidance.
Graduate Thesis and Dissertation Research
- Graduate students completing a thesis or dissertation may remain eligible for CPT when the proposed off-campus practical training or research is necessary for completion of the student’s required thesis or dissertation.
- In these cases, OISS will review the individual circumstances and may require documentation from the student’s academic program or faculty advisor explaining why the off-campus activity is necessary to complete the thesis or dissertation.
- Enrollment in thesis, dissertation, research, or independent-study credits by itself does not establish CPT eligibility.
Students should not begin any off-campus employment or practical training until CPT has been approved by OISS and the authorization appears on the student’s Form I-20.
OISS recognizes that this change may affect students who had planned to pursue internships or other experiential learning opportunities during their academic programs. Students with questions about how the updated guidance applies to their individual circumstances are encouraged to consult with an OISS International Student Advisor.
UNH will continue to monitor federal guidance regarding CPT and will update its policies and procedures as additional information becomes available.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that
- Must be an integral part of the curriculum, in which the student earns academic credit
- Is authorized by OISS prior to the internship start date
Curricular Practical Training may be part time (up to 20 hours per week) while the student is enrolled in classes. Students who are authorized for part time CPT must be very careful not to exceed the 20 hour/week limit.
Curricular Practical Training may be full time (up to 40 hours per week) during official University breaks, such as summer vacation. If a student engages in full time CPT for 12 months, he/she loses eligibility to engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT) at that degree level.
Eligibility requirements
- Required for completion of degree program
- Student must be in lawful F-1 status
- Student must have been enrolled in a degree program for at least one full academic year
- Student must be in good academic standing
- Internship must be related to student's field of study/primary major and appropriate to degree level
- NOTE: If training is required by the degree program, graduate students may engage in CPT whenever the program requires it, regardless of whether they have completed a full academic year.
Application process
Complete and submit OISS's online CPT Authorization Form at least two weeks prior to proposed start date of internship:
- Login to eOISS
- Under the heading F-1 Practical Training, choose "CPT Authorization Form"
- When completing your eForm, you will need to upload:
- A copy of the job description or posting
- An employment offer letter including: place of employment, job title and responsibilities, start/end dates, and whether the job is part-time or full-time
- Proof of course registration for internship or independent study credit
- Before submitting your eForm, please meet with your Academic Advisor.
- After you submit your eForm, your advisor will be sent an email notification to approve your request.
An OISS Advisor will review your eForm and make a determination if CPT is appropriate. Then the advisor will enter your employment authorization into SEVIS, and you will be issued a new I-20.
