Curricular Practical Training - Independent Study (CPT-IS)

Applying for CPT-IS

(Graduate Students Only)

PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 48 HRS FOR APPROVAL

Graduate students in SEAS who meet the USCIS eligibility criteria (see below) may apply for independent study (IS) academic credit for the purposes of F-1 curricular practical training (CPT). The procedure is as follows:

1. Identify a faculty member who will serve as your “CPT-IS Supervisor.” Your CPT-IS Supervisor’s area of work and specialization should substantially overlap with your proposed internship work.
2. Get the approval of that individual on a Proposal (2 pages max.) for the work you will do on your internship. Your proposal should describe:
   • The tasks you will undertake
   • The technical content of your work/internship
   • The materials you will submit at the end of your CPT-IS period for final evaluation
3. Your employer should provide a letter or email to your CPT-IS Supervisor and for inclusion in your entire application package, verifying support for the work you propose to do.
4. Submit the Application for CPT-IS Form with all approvals to SEAS Office of Academic Programs (111 Towne) for final approval by the Associate Dean/designee.
5. Submit the F-1 Curricular Practical Training Form to the Office of International Programs (ISSS).
6. Once approved by the Associate Dean/designee, you are responsible to take the approved application to Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office to request curricular practical training authorization. Processing time by ISSS is typically 2 business days. Students may not begin any work until they have received the CPT authorization from ISSS.

USCIS eligibility criteria: In order to be eligible for CPT-IS, you must have already completed one academic year (September to May) of course work full-time at Penn but have not completed your degree requirements. (Note: A student beginning his/her program in January would be able to register for CPT-IS after a second term of full time study.) If you have any questions regarding the CPT immigration status requirement, please meet with an advisor at ISSS.

Please note the following:

• Evaluation and grading: Your CPT-IS Supervisor will need to evaluate your work done either based on periodic reports submitted by you while undergoing the CPT, or based on such reports immediately after your return from the training. Note that your sponsor may require some additional work beyond what was done during training, but the evaluation must be substantially based upon the training experience. All CPT-IS course registrations will be issued either an “S” grade or a “U” grade. No letter grades (impacting GPA) will be issued.
• Mid-Point Progress Report: You are required to submit a completed “Mid-Point Progress Report” during your CPT period, as well as your submission of materials as specified in your detailed Proposal to your CPT-IS Supervisor at the end of your CPT-IS period.
• Course Registration: Upon final approval as indicated by this form, you will be registered for course credit during the term of the CPT. Master’s students will be registered for EAS 897, and PhD students will be registered for EAS 898.
• Satisfying Degree Requirements, Tuition and Fees:
  • Master’s students entering Fall 2008 who register for CPT-IS will be placed into the “Master’s with Practicum” degree. The CPT-IS course (EAS 897) will be a required 11th CU in completing the “Master’s with Practicum” degree. No tuition and fees will be charged for this option.
  • PhD students must consult with his/her Faculty Advisor and Graduate Group Chair regarding how CPT-IS (EAS 898) may be used to satisfy degree requirements. No tuition and fees will be charged for this option.
• Requirement to Complete: All academic requirements for CPT-IS must be satisfactorily completed within the term for which the student has registered for CPT-IS. Failure to complete the CPT-IS academic requirements would render your employment “unauthorized” and be a violation of your immigration status. For any student who gets a “U” grade, such sanctions may include forfeiture of the post-graduation OPT allotment and the possibility of working in the United States on any other visa.
• Registering for more than one CPT-IS: On a case-by-case basis, students may petition to take a second CPT-IS course and use it for satisfying degree requirements.