Ensign College has a hands-on-learning model where the curriculum requires students to participate in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and class projects, with off-campus businesses and organizations (Experience Providers). The International Student Office seeks to support these experiential learning opportunities while ensuring that each international student’s current F-1 visa status and future immigration eligibility are maintained.
International students seeking to engage in work (paid or unpaid) for an Experience Provider must (1) qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by meeting the eligibility requirements below, and (2) obtain authorization from the college’s Designated School Official (DSO). Examples of experiential learning opportunities that require CPT include:
- An off-campus internship or practicum with an Experience Provider required for a student’s course, whether paid or unpaid (e.g., CAR 399, CAR 499, HP 299, and ID 199)
- Project Based Internship (CAR 398) and Project Based Work Experience (CAR 300R) courses
Some courses at Ensign College utilize project-based work for Experience Providers to enhance course curriculum. Ensign College encourages international students to seek CPT authorization for this type of experience, especially if the student intends to list it as work experience on a resume or work portfolio. Not doing so could result in complications with future applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(Note: This policy does not address on-campus employment which is not subject to CPT requirements. If you have questions about on-campus employment, please contact the International Student Office.)
CPT Eligibility Requirements
For the International Student Office to authorize CPT, the following requirements must be met.
The international student must
- have completed one academic year of full-time study (two consecutive semesters at Ensign College);
- be a full-time student;
- have and maintain a 2.0 GPA;*
- be enrolled in a course connected to the CPT authorization; * and
- request CPT Work Authorization from the Ensign College DSO in the International Office
The work must
- be directly related to the student’s major area of study indicated as “Major 1” on the student’s Form I-20;
- be an integral part of the college’s established curriculum;
- include a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the outside entity; and
- not begin until CPT authorization has been given by the DSO.
*Denotes Ensign College-specific eligibility requirements
Part-time vs Full-time CPT
Part-time CPT is limited to 20 hours or less a week. Full-time CPT may exceed 20 hours a week. One calendar year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s ability to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT). An international student may be authorized to participate in full-time CPT only during an annual vacation semester. Otherwise, CPT must be part-time.
Concurrent CPT Authorizations
An international student may be authorized for concurrent CPT opportunities provided each opportunity fulfills a requirement for a course in which the student is currently enrolled. Each CPT authorization will be listed as part-time, and the student cannot work more than 20 hours a week collectively. The student is encouraged to keep a careful record of his or her CPT hours for each CPT opportunity because the student may be asked for documentation by the International Student Office or applicable federal agencies.
On-Campus Employment and CPT Authorization
International students who have CPT authorization may still be eligible to concurrently work on campus. However, the student’s primary focus should be the student’s studies. An international student may work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while authorized for unpaid CPT for an embedded course project where the instructor is the supervisor, or a course titled “project-based internship” or “project-based work experience” (i.e., CAR 398, CAR 300R, class project for an Experience Provider).
The International Student Office does not recommend but will not prohibit international students from working on campus while also participating in an off-campus internship (paid or unpaid). However, if an international student chooses to do so, the student accepts any accompanying risks and is responsible for responding to any government agency requests in this regard.
Dates of CPT Authorization
The International Student Office authorizes students for CPT on a semester-to-semester basis. A student approved by the Internship Office for an off-campus internship may request to begin CPT as early as the Monday following the last week of the previous semester and continue CPT up to the Friday before the next semester begins.
A student participating in a course that includes a project-based internship or work experience must be registered for the course no later than one week before the start of the semester (or block). CPT authorization must be given before the student can participate in any course projects that involve work for an Experience Provider.
Any questions regarding the application of this policy to specific situations should be directed to the International Student Office.