Navigating Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at Westcliff University: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students

Westcliff University welcomes a diverse multicultural student body and is committed to providing international students with the support and resources they need to thrive academically and professionally. A key aspect of this support involves guiding students through the process of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to gain valuable on-the-job learning and experience directly related to their program of study. Westcliff University Designated School Officials (DSOs) and International Student Advisors are here to provide dependable support, advocacy, and resources for our multicultural student body. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CPT at Westcliff University, outlining eligibility requirements, application procedures, and important considerations for international students.

Understanding CPT: A Definition

Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as defined by regulations, is “alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” For F-1 students, CPT authorization from a Designated School Official (DSO) allows participation in a curricular practical training program that is “an integral part of an established curriculum and/or is directly related to the student’s major area of study.” A student may begin curricular practical training only after receiving his or her Form I-20 with the DSO endorsement.

CPT vs. OPT: Key Differences

It's important to distinguish CPT from Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is done during your program for credit and is approved by the DSO. Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be done as Pre-Completion or Post-Completion of the program, although it is most commonly done after the conclusion of the program. OPT applications should be submitted to USCIS for approval. Both CPT and OPT must be related to your program of study. Additionally, students with an approved STEM degree can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a 24 month extension to their OPT authorization.

Eligibility for CPT at Westcliff University

Westcliff University can authorize its international students for a full-time CPT in accordance with USCIS regulations. International students (including Transfer F1 and Initial F1 students) can apply to work on CPT from the first day of enrollment. The school allows students to obtain CPT work authorization in the first month of enrollment and will send out a CPT renewal notification at the end of each semester.

CPT Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Each session, new CPT is open for application. The school typically notifies everyone to apply for CPT two weeks before school starts. Applying earlier will help avoid the possibility that CPT could not be obtained on the first day of school.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents.

Step 2: Submit the Application Form. The CPT Application form can be found on your Terra Dotta -Control Center. For submission through University Forms Webpage, you should receive a copy of your response as a receipt after completing the CPT form.

The following documents are typically required for a CPT application:

Offer Letter: Signed by employer on company letterhead.
Parties Involved on Page 3.

Important Considerations:

For current students, the earliest CPT start date available to request is about 30 days prior to next session/semester start date. For new students, it is the session/semester start date if applications are processed in SEVIS prior to the start date. If applications are processed after the start date of the session/semester due to delays from incomplete application and supporting documents, then the earliest CPT start date will be the day it is processed.
For current students, you can check your request on your Terra Dotta -Control Center - Ongoing Request.
During periods of high volume of applications being received, please allow 7-10 business days for processing upon the submission of your application (excluding weekends and holidays). We will only process applications with completed and accurate documents. Any missing documents will delay the processing time and any additional submissions needed will put your application back in queue.

CPT Renewal

CPT is approved on semester basis on the condition that the applicants have met the CPT academic requirements. Renewals are required prior to the current CPT end date. Students have also certify in their CPT Application form and Cooperative Agreement that they understand the requirement of renewal and CPT authorization. Notifications to renew your CPT and requirement to receive CPT authorizations before engaging in any internship or employment have been mentioned in the New Student Orientation, NSO Modules, CPT application, Cooperative Agreement that you signed and submitted with your employer, and also on this reminder.

Submit this form if you are working for the same employer and would like to extend your work authorization for the upcoming semester/session.

Maintaining Your F-1 Status During CPT

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the immigration requirements related to their status. Significant changes must be reported to the IA advisors/DSO within 10 days of the change. Anytime a new I-20 is issued, students are required to keep their old copies for future reference. Always use the most recently issued I-20 for travel, work or other purposes. Please note when applying for other benefits such as OPT or H1B, you may be asked to provide copies of your Form I-20s either as part of your application or a request for evidence (RFE).

Read also: Gap Year and Academic Programs

Form I-20s are issued to continuing students whenever a significant update (i.e.change in educational level, program dates, CPT/OPT, etc.) is required for the student’s record. It is the student's responsibility to keep all of their Form I-20s.

Full-time vs. Part-time CPT: Impact on OPT

Full-time CPT is over 20 hours per week and part-time CPT is 20 hours or under per week. To be eligible for Post-Completion OPT, you cannot participate in no more than 12 months of full-time CPT within the entire duration of your program. According to the regulations 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i), F-1 students who have received an aggregate of one year or more of full-time curricular practical training become ineligible for optional practical training (OPT) at the same educational level. Please note that if you are applying for OPT to work after the program end date, you must not participate more than 12 months of full-time CPT throughout the program/per academic level.

Internship Course and Fees

Upon receiving your CPT approval, students will be enrolled into an internship course automatically by the Registrar Office and the enrollment status will be updated the first two weeks of the session/semester in your SIS and GAP portal. The CPT applicant makes payment for the internship course and uploads it to this form. The IA team will review the application, if the CPT is approved, the Registrar team will enroll the student into an internship course, and then the Student Accounts team will credit the payment to the student's account for the internship course. The internship course fee for 12-month CPT is paid semester by semester. Payment for internship course does not guarantee approval for CPT.

Important Reminders

Students should let their employers know that once employment is secured, the student can apply for a SSN and receive the card (approximately 1-2 weeks). It is also important to note that students must have an employer, with an offer letter and I-20 with CPT authorization, a print out of their i-94 record, passport, in order to successfully apply for a SSN. When filling out onboarding paperwork or applications online, students can try putting all zero digits for the SSN in order to successfully apply.

Westcliff University Programs and CPT Opportunities

Westcliff University, established in 1993 and accredited by WSCUC and ACBSP, offers programs in Business, Education, Technology & Engineering, and Law. It provides flexible undergraduate and graduate degrees - available 100% online or on-site at campuses in Southern California, Florida, Texas, and Canada. Westcliff blends practical and theoretical learning to prepare students for real-world careers, with a strong focus on student success through career services, academic support, and industry-aligned faculty. The following programs are particularly well-suited for CPT opportunities:

Read also: Scholarship Guide

MBA (Master of Business Administration): This program is designed to equip individuals for managerial roles across various industries. This qualification is especially relevant for those seeking opportunities in sectors like computer services, investment banking, securities, and consulting in marketing, research, analysis, and finance.
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS): This program is designed to advance careers in the tech industry, offering a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes design, critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving in computer science. Securing a CPT is straightforward with a relevant job offer in this field.
Masters of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM): This program is highly relevant to organizations that are continually striving to close the gap between engineering, technology, and management for performance.
Masters of Science in Information Technology (MSIT): This degree program provides a holistic perspective to the field of information technology to ensure that students develop knowledge about a vast array of technology that drives 21st-century business.
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL): This program will prepare teachers for a wide variety of positions both in the US and abroad.

Additional Information

Students can express to their potential employer that as an F-1 student, they can be authorized to engange in CPT or OPT, or apply for an EAD card.
In general, students who do not meet the minimum required G.P.A. will be denied CPT renewal.
During the CPT employment authorizations period (from the start date to the end date listed on page 2 of the CPT I-20), you can submit a 'Change of CPT Application' 7-10 business days prior to the change. If you are changing your employer during the 'CPT renewal window', which is around the end of a session or semester so that you can begin with the new employer at the upcoming start date, please submit a New CPT Application form instead.
SEVP Policy guidance from October 2021 announced that digital I-20s are now permanently acceptable, meaning that digital I-20 will serve all of your needs- simply print and sign for your records.
At Westcliff University, we uphold all personal privacy laws, including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. We have identified specific details in students' education records as directory information under FERPA.
Note: To demonstrate your financial eligibility, you must provide an accurate liquid bank statement showing a minimum balance of $35,000.

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