Many CPT delays have nothing to do with eligibility. They happen because the paperwork is missing or doesn't match: an offer letter with the wrong dates, a job description that never mentions your degree, or an employer who won't sign your school's form.
This toolkit gives you three tools to get the paperwork right before you submit your CPT request:
2026 update: In August 2026, SEVP issued Broadcast Messages 2608-01 and 2608-02. They tell schools to authorize CPT only when the training is a required part of the curriculum and is offered through an employer that has a cooperative agreement with the school. University groups have challenged this guidance in federal court, and no ruling had been issued at the time of writing. See our breakdown of the 2026 CPT changes.
CPT is authorized by your school's Designated School Official (DSO), not by USCIS. Your employer does not file a petition.
Most schools ask for the following:
You may start work only after your DSO issues an updated Form I-20. That I-20 lists your employer, work location, dates, and whether the CPT is part-time or full-time.
Requirements vary by school, so always use your school's own forms.
Ask these questions before you accept an offer. A "no" to any of the first three is worth discussing with your DSO right away.
If an employer hesitates, our guide on how to convince your employer to accept Day 1 CPT explains the process in employer-friendly terms.
| Document | Who provides it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| CPT request/application form | You + your school | Use the current version; schools updated many forms in 2026 |
| Offer letter on letterhead | Employer | Title, duties, hours, dates, address, supervisor, signature |
| Cooperative agreement / employer certification | Employer + school | Signed by someone authorized to sign for the company |
| Course registration for the required CPT course | You / registrar | The course must be required for your program, not an elective |
| Academic or faculty approval | Your department | Confirms the role is integral to your curriculum |
| Current I-20, passport, I-94 | You | Your DSO may request copies |
| Updated I-20 with CPT endorsement | DSO | Do not start work before you receive it |
Consistency rule: The employer name, dates, hours, and location must match across your offer letter, cooperative agreement, and CPT form. Mismatches are among the most common reasons for delays.
CPT must relate directly to your major, and your school must be able to see that connection on paper. Fill in this worksheet. Then ask your employer to reflect the duties column in the offer letter.
| Job duty (specific, action-based) | Related course (code + name) | Skill or learning outcome | How your supervisor evaluates it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Build and maintain SQL data pipelines | IT 520 Database Systems | Data modeling, query optimization | Monthly project review |
| Example: Prepare project schedules and risk logs | PM 510 Project Planning | Scheduling, risk analysis | Milestone sign-off |
| Your duty | Your course | Your outcome | Your method |
The example rows are illustrations only. Use your actual course codes and duties.
Tips for a stronger job description:
If you are still choosing a program, see how to choose the right Day 1 CPT major for your job.
If your employer won't sign, read what to do when your employer won't sign the CPT documents.
No. Your DSO authorizes CPT in SEVIS, and you don't need a separate work permit (EAD). Your employer's role is to provide an offer letter and sign your school's cooperative agreement or employer form.
A CPT offer letter should be on company letterhead and include:
Some schools also want a statement that the role relates to your major.
It is a document in which the employer agrees with your school to provide practical training that is part of your curriculum. The regulation does not define its exact form, so each school uses its own template. Since August 2026, SEVP has emphasized that all CPT should run through employers with these agreements.
No. You may begin CPT only after you receive the I-20 with your DSO's CPT endorsement, and not before the start date shown on it.
It depends on your program. CPT generally must be required of all students in the degree, and your employer may need a cooperative agreement with your school. The guidance is being challenged in court, so confirm your school's current policy before you enroll or accept an offer. See our Day 1 CPT FAQ for more.
Your I-20 lists a work location, and schools handle remote and hybrid roles differently. Ask your DSO before you accept a remote offer.
Want to see which employers commonly work with Day 1 CPT students? Browse our Day 1 CPT employers guide, or book a consultation to review your documents with an advisor.