Golden Gate University School of Law: Curricular Practical Training (F-1)

This information is designed for students in F-1 temporary/non-immigrant status. This webpage will provide you with information on a type of employment opportunity, which is known as "curricular practical training." Please also attend a Practical Training workshop or make an appointment for F-1 immigration advising at GGU School of Law International Student Services in the 536 Mission Street - Academic Building (Room 3301).

"Curricular Practical Training" (CPT) is an authorized period of paid employment that is an integral or important part of a student's curriculum. At Golden Gate University School of Law, there are two scenarios which qualify students for CPT:

1. In cases in which the employment must be a requirement of the Degree, as in the LLM US Legal Studies Program. In this case, you may or may not receive academic credit. The CPT endorsement must be issued by GGU School of Law during the same semester or term as the internship period.
2. In cases in which the practical internship is not a requirement of the program, the department must offer a CPT course for which the student receives academic credit. The CPT course must be offered during the same semester or term as the internship period. Failure to enroll in and complete the class will result in immediate violation of your legal status. It is the student's responsibility to fulfill all requirements of CPT.

1. The student must be maintaining valid F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) .
2. The student must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. Graduate students are exempt from this requirement if their Degree program requires immediate participation in CPT.
3. The employment must clearly be related to the student's field of study.
4. Part-time employment may not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Full-time employment (more than 20 hours a week) during official school breaks is permitted. Students need separate endorsements for part-time and full-time employment even if the employment is in the same term or semester.
5. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in CPT, but if you participate for twelve months or more of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for any type of optional (including post-completion) practical training.
6. Students who have already completed all course/unit requirements for their degree are not eligible for CPT except when employment is required to complete the thesis. CPT can either be part-time or full-time based upon approval of the academic advisor and authorization by GGU School of Law International Student Services (ISS).
7. Students who have already completed all course/unit requirements for their degree are not eligible for curricular practical training. CPT may not be used for a reason for delaying graduation.
8. Students may enroll in one CPT class per semester (to receive one or two units of credit as advised).
9. Students who have applied for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training may not apply for CPT for the same period requested on their Pre-OPT application. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could interpret this sort of "double processing" as facilitating inappropriate employment and possibly illegal authorization of practical training.
10. Students must obtain a separate I-20 Form endorsement for each CPT employer.

CPT is authorized by GGU School of Law International Student Services (ISS). You can submit your application as soon as you have received the CPT offer letter but no later than 10 working days prior to the start date of employment. A new I-20 Form authorizing the requested employment period will be issued after your academic advisor reviews your CPT offer letter.

Students applying for CPT must also meet any additional requirements set by departments concerning the minimum number of units they are required to take during the semester or term they are enrolled in the CPT course.

Go here for specific instructions on how to apply for CPT >>

For CPT during Fall and Spring semesters, when students are required to be enrolled full-time and can work part-time under CPT, the proposed start and end dates of CPT closely follow the academic calendar.

The allowable CPT employment dates for the GGU School of Law academic year are:

• Fall - start no earlier than August 1, end no later than December 31
• Spring - start no earlier than January 1, end no later than May 31
• Summer - start no earlier than June 1, end no later than July 31

If you have already attended a practical training workshop and still have questions you may want to review the presentation F-1 Students Working in US.pdf again or send an email to: Jpluebell@ggu.edu