Note to J-1 students: CPT authorization applies to F-1 students only. For information on J-1 work authorization for employer-funded Metcalf internships, please see our Academic Training information.
Internships coordinated through the Career Advancement Metcalf Fellows Program are considered cooperative education; thus, international students who receive employer-funded Metcalf internships should apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT authorization is only necessary for internships where you are paid directly by the employer. Internships that are funded by a grant from the College are considered on-campus employment, and therefore do not require CPT authorization. The source of your funding will be specified in your Metcalf Award Letter from CA.
As a reminder, to be eligible for CPT, you must have been enrolled as a full-time student for the three quarters directly preceding your employment. Thus, if you are returning from a Leave of Absence, you are ineligible for CPT if you have not met this requirement. Also, if you are in your first year of undergraduate study, your Metcalf internship must begin after the last day of your third quarter (usually Spring quarter).
Once you have accepted an internship offer that requires CPT and have received your Metcalf Award Letter from Career Advancement, you can apply for CPT using this form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your employer letter must contain ALL INFORMATION LISTED on the Employer Letter Template. 99% of the time your offer letter will not suffice for CPT application purposes. If you are going to submit an offer letter, please highlight where all of the required information is on the letter. Note that submission of insufficient employer letter will delay your application processing.