New Mexico State University

Before you start the CPT application process, you will first need a job offer before you start the CPT application. As a general rule, students will not be approved for CPT in their final semester and have to complete an academic year on their program of study. CPT will be issued based on our semester dates as per our academic schedule posted by Records Office. See https://records.nmsu.edu/students/important-dates.html

IMPORTANT: You cannot work out of campus without prior authorization from ISSS office. You can only work within the dates reflected on the 2 ^nd page of your I-20. If we find that you have worked off campus then that would be a serious violation of your F-1 status and your I-20 may be terminated for “unauthorized employment”.

CPT for Undergraduate Students:

Please read the following information and instructions thoroughly. The CPT Request Form must be completed by the student and an academic advisor (from the student’s department). 

1. Academic Standing: Students are eligible for CPT if they are in F-1 status and have been studying full-time for at least one academic year.
2. Academic GPA: Students must also be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduates).
3. Major Field Alignment: CPT can only be approved based on the student's major field of study(verified in Banner/NMSU school system). Undergraduate students must have declared their major field of study to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training.
4. Job Offer Requirement: The student must have a job offer in writing on the company letterhead with the student’s full name, with the work start and end dates, salary, responsibilities of the student, employer address and employment location if different from employer address.
5. Curriculum Integration: The practicum either may be a required or an optional part of the curriculum.
   • If the CPT is a Required (Course based CPT) and the department will enroll the student in Credit bearing internship courses. **Please submit documentation showing that this practical training is a requirement for students to complete their academic program. The requirement should be clearly indicated in the University catalog or in departmental informational materials (such as website, syllabi, etc.) and the student MUST be enrolled in Internship credit course.
   • If the CPT is a Non – Required (Co-operative CPT) in the field of study, then the student MUST work with Co-op office and be enrolled in Co-Op credits.
6. Program Requirement: CPT cannot be granted if it does not fulfill a major program requirement. Even though employment may be a good opportunity and provide valuable work experience, if it does not fulfill a program requirement, it does not qualify for CPT.
7. Course enrollment: The students must continue to be enrolled in coursework credits. Such courses must be in-person or hybrid to be able to comply with the class requirements. This is required for the fall and spring semesters. During summer, the student is allowed to enroll in either coursework credits or co-op credits depending on the type of CPT.
8. Insurance Requirement: As a current student of NMSU you must continue to be enrolled in NMSU mandated insurance.

View Undergraduate CPT Application

CPT for Graduate Students:

Please carefully review the following important guidelines to ensure you meet all eligibility and compliance requirements. The form must be completed by the student and an academic advisor (from the student’s department)

1. ✔ 1. One Academic Year Enrollment Requirement:
   • You must be enrolled full-time and have maintained your F-1 status for at least one academic year (fall and spring) before beginning CPT.
   • Exception: If you are a graduate student and your program requires a course-based internship in the first year, the one-year requirement may be waived. Please contact your academic department for confirmation.
2. ✔ 2. Full-Time Enrollment Requirement:
   • You must maintain full-time enrollment while on CPT.
   • For Fall and Spring CPT, your coursework must include an in-person classroom component.
   • Grad students must enroll in at least 6 in-person credits.
   • Students must enroll in 9 credits in Fall/Spring:
     • Enroll in 3–6 credits of CPT-related courses
       • 10 hours/week CPT = 3 credits CPT/thesis → Eligible for 10 hours GA/RA/TA
       • 20 hours/week CPT = 6 credits CPT/thesis → NOT eligible for GA/RA/TA
3. ✔ 3. CPT Approval Timeline:
   • CPT can only be approved one semester at a time.
   • Employment must occur within the semester dates.
   • The CPT application deadline is aligned with NMSU class enrollment deadlines: NMSU Important Dates – Records Office
   • Submit your CPT application at least 3 weeks before the semester begins or CPT start dates.
4. ✔ 4. Academic Program Progress:
   • CPT must not delay or interfere with your timely program completion.
   • Keep in mind your F-1 status is for studying. CPT is a benefit only.
5. ✔ 5. Type of CPT:

   Your advisor will confirm the type of CPT on your CPT Request Form:

   • Required (Course-Based) CPT
   • Optional (Co-Op Based) CPT
6. ✔ 6. Offer Letter Requirement:
   • The student must have a job offer in writing on the company letterhead with the student’s full name, with the future start and end dates, salary, role of the student, employer address and employment location if different from employer address.
7. ✔ 7. Immigration Impact:
   • You must NOT start working until your CPT authorization is approved on the 2nd page of your I-20.
   • Working off-campus without CPT authorization is a serious violation of F-1 status and may result in the termination of your I-20 and loss of immigration benefits.
8. ✔ 8. Impact on OPT Eligibility:
   • Full-time CPT for 12 months or more = No post-completion OPT at the same degree level.
   • Part-time CPT has no effect on OPT eligibility, if it is no more than 12 months.
9. ✔ 9. Full-Time Enrollment Requirement:
   • You must maintain full-time enrollment while on CPT.
   • For Fall and Spring CPT, your coursework must include an in-person classroom component.
   • Grad students must enroll in at least 6 in-person credits.
10. ✔ 10. Academic & Immigration Status:
    • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
    • Maintain valid F-1 status and full enrollment at NMSU prior and while on CPT
11. ✔ 11. Health Insurance:
    • You will continue to be enrolled in NMSU-sponsored health insurance while on CPT.
12. ✔ 12. Record Keeping:
    • Retain copies of your CPT authorization, offer letters, and employment records for future reference (e.g., OPT, H-1B, Green Card).

View Graduate CPT Application

If you have any questions and would like to schedule an appointment to discuss the CPT process and requirements in more details, please email isss@nmsu.edu.