Welcome to CPT

Guideline for Practical Training Positions by Major

Incoming Student Suncas Login Instructions

Job Offer Letter and Description Information Checklist

Student Experiential Agreement Instructions

CPT Application Walkthrough

During peak season please expect longer than usual processing times.  Please apply a month ahead of time. We cannot guarantee that applications submitted later than this will be processed in time before the desired start date. 

ONLY if you are applying to start CPT in December or January you may apply up to 2 months ahead of time due to the holiday breaks. 

Trine University will be fully closed for Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Years. CPT applications are not processed during this time. 

Fall: July - September 
Spring: November - February 
Summer: April  - June 

Standard Processing times:

• Initial review can take up to 14 business days, which does not include weekends or holidays.
• If corrections need to be made, processing times may increase.
  • Applications in need of updates are moved to a separate queue for processing. Please allow 3-5 business days for resubmitted materials to be reviewed, as we process all resubmissions in the order they are added to the queue.
• We cannot guarantee that applications submitted less than 14 business days before the desired start date will be processed and approved in time.

1. Timing of I20 and CPT Start Date
   • Initial review of CPT applications will take up to 14 business days.
   • Students have 5 business days to update their application if further information is requested – if updates are not completed during this time the application will be closed
   • If applying during peak season, plan to apply 30 days before your desired start date due to high volume of applications.
   • We will not expedite CPT applications for any reason.
   • Your CPT start date can be on or after the program start date
2. Prerequisites for CPT
   • Students must have an SSN to start CPT immediately.
   • Keep a cumulative GPA of 3.0
   • Take and Pass the CPT course: BA 6000Z Graduate Internship every semester you are authorized to work
3. To Gain Access to CPT Application
   • Complete an Intent to Enroll form
   • Pay the $500 Enrollment Fee.
   • Allow 3-5 business days for Suncas account activation
4. SEVIS Transfer:
   • Can apply for CPT prior to SEVIS transfer.
     • Applications regarding students whose SEVIS is already transferred to Trine will be prioritized.
     • Those without SEVIS records may not be reviewed until your SEVIS is transferred depending on current volume of applications
   • SEVIS must be transferred before your requested CPT start date
     • If SEVIS is not transferred by your CPT start date, your application will be closed and pre-approval revoked
   • Must transfer SEVIS before class start date to keep F1 Visa Status
   • CPT Authorization can take 3-5 business days from date of SEVIS transfer if you have received pre-approval
5. Communications
   • All CPT updates and I20 will be sent to Trine student email
6. Transition from OPT:
   • May take PTO during transition period
   • CPT Authorization can take 3-5 business days from date of SEVIS transfer if you have received pre-approval.
   • OPT will terminate once SEVIS is transferred
   • Expect to take 3-5 days off work while your documents are processing
7. SEVP Portal Closure (Current OPT Students only)
   • SEVP Portal is OPT only. It will close once your OPT ends.
   • Will Not affect CPT
   • CPT cannot be updated using SEVP Portals

Document Delivery: All Trine I20 will be electronically sent to Trine student email accounts.

If your Employer wants a physical copy of your I20, you may print the PDF.

*Incoming students requesting CPT will receive their I20 once all CPT requirements are met.  They will not need to wait the normal 2-3 weeks after classes start.

1. Go to the Suncas Immigration Advising Portal: https://suncas.trine.edu/
2. Click on New Student/Alumni Login
   
3. Click Email me my Limited Service Pin
   
4. Type in your Student ID number.  This number can be found in your Acceptance Letter.
   
5. Your Limited Services PIN will be emailed to the email you used to apply for Trine University.
6. If you receive the error seen below, it means your International student account has not been activated yet.  Please make sure you completed the Intent to Enroll Form and paid the Enrollment Fee.  It can take up to 5 business days after you have completed the necessary work for your account to be activated.
   
7. Once you have received your PIN, go back to the Suncas Immigration Advising Portal and click on New Student/Alumni Login again
8. Input the requested information and click login
   
9. Once you login, you will see the following page.  On the left hand side, select Curricular Practical Training (CPT).  If you do not see this, it is likely your Visa status in our system is not F1.  Only students on an active F1 Visa can access this application.  You will need to complete the Change of Visa Status form and wait for it to be processed before you will be able to apply for CPT.
   
10. Read through the information, including that found on our CPT Webpage and select the CPT Application once you are ready to apply:
    
11. You must complete all 5 forms for your application to be submitted.  You will receive an email stating your application was submitted successfully if we have received your application.
    
12. In the Student Experiential Learning Request Form, you will have a link to download both the file and instructions.  Please follow the instructions as it gives you a very detailed breakdown of what information we need in each section.
    
13. You will need to download a new blank agreement each time you apply for CPT.  The document is updated every semester and we cannot accept old files.

In order to apply for CPT you must currently:

1. Applied for and be accepted to a Trine University Hybrid Program
2. Be in the US on an active F1 Visa – if you are currently on H1B, you will not have access to the CPT application until your Change of Visa Status request has been processed
3. Be registered for classes
   • Minimum of 6 credit hours each semester
   • If you only need your capstone class to graduate, you may work on CPT while only completing the 3 credit course.
   • Incoming students do NOT need to register for their first semester before applying for CPT
4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
   • If you are an incoming student, you will not have a GPA.  If your GPA at the end of your first semester is under 3.0, your work authorization will be terminated.
   • Students must be in good academic standing to work on CPT.  Those who are placed on academic probation are not eligible for CPT until their GPA has increased to a 3.0 and their probation period has lifted.

5. Have no registration holds on your account.

   • CPT application cannot be approved until registration holds have been removed from a student's account
   • If you apply for CPT and have a hold on your account, your application may be pre-approved until the hold is removed. If the hold has not been removed by 5 days after your desired CPT start date, the CPT application will be closed.

6. Be participating in their first or second masters program

   • To protect the academic and immigration interests of our international student community, students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) opportunities during their first two degree programs at a given degree level. Students enrolled in a third consecutive degree program at the same level will not be eligible to participate in CPT.
   • This includes degree programs completed at other institutions
7. Participate in and Pass the CPT course (Graduate Internship) every semester you have work authorization.

 

Students must apply between 14 business days and 30 days before their desired CPT start date.

Students without an SSN should apply 30-60 days before their Desired Start date.

CPT Applications must be approved, processed, and work must start prior to the last month of each semester.

Unless you are currently authorized for CPT you cannot start Initial CPT during the last month of a semester.

Students cannot start initial CPT between the following dates each semester. Please note that you must apply 14 business days before the start date deadline in order for your CPT to be approved on time.

Spring 2024-2025:

Initial CPT Start Date Deadline: April 8, 2025

Next Available Start Date: May 12, 2025

Summer 2025:

Initial CPT Start Date Deadline: July 8, 2025

Next Available Start Date: July 20, 2025

Fall 2025-2026:

Initial CPT Start Date Deadline: November 20, 2025

Next Available Start Date: December 7, 2025

Spring 2025-2026:

Initial CPT Start Date Deadline: :April 6, 2026

Next Available Start Date: May 10, 2026

• Please be aware that students wishing to start initial CPT before these semester start date deadlines must submit an application 14 business days before their desired start date. Applications that are submitted less than 14 business days before the semester start date deadlines may not be processed in time and are subject to being denied for missing the deadline, depending on the volume of applications.

• Earliest day you can request to start working each term:

  Fall I: July 21, 2025
  Fall II: September 22, 2025 (Incoming Students Only)
  Spring I: December 8, 2025
  Spring II: February 9, 2026 (Incoming Students Only)
  Summer: May 12, 2025, and May 11, 2026

 

• Applications are always open – however – you cannot start work before your program start date, nor can you begin initial CPT during the last month of the semester.
• Requested CPT start/end dates must within 1 year of each other. This means that the end date is one year minus one day after the start date. CPT requested dates are NOT your employment dates
  • Example: Start date – April 20, 2024, End Date – April 19, 2025
• If you have authorization on your I20, you may work during academic breaks – including Summer.
• If you plan to apply for OPT after graduation, you can only work Full Time on CPT for 12months. Part Time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility

1. Job Offer:

• Be written on the company's letterhead
• Be addressed to your legal name as written on your passport
• Include job title
• Provide job description that is related to your Trine major
• Specify the employment address (street, city, state, and zip code)
  • Including if the job is remote
• Specify your Start Date
  • We can accept old offer letters as long as they do not have an employment end date.
• Specify your end date if your job will be less than 1 year

2. Job Description Accepted Alternatives: (If not written on the Job Offer)

The job description should be on company letter head.  If this is not possible, please find the alternatives listed below.

All documents must have the following:

1. Company Name
2. Job Title
3. Job Description

• Job description from job hunting website like Indeed, Glassdoor or LinkedIn
• Official email from your Manager or HR representative with their work signature
• Document signed by your manager or HR representative

3. Employer CPT Agreement:

This document is required by USCIS and you will need it should you apply for OPT, H1B, or any other US Visa.

Download the CPT Agreement form in the CPT application.  

Both you and your employer must sign this document and upload it to the form before submitting the CPT Application.

Instructions on how to complete this form can be found in the CPT application.

You must upload all pages of the agreement into your application with your signature and your employer’s signature. The following people may sign this document:

▪ Direct Supervisor

▪ Employee who signed your Job Offer Letter

▪ Head of your Department

▪ HR representative

Note on Acceptable Signatures: Students and employers may physically sign the Form or input their own electronic signature. USCIS accepts electronic signatures in the following formats:

▪ Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign all signature fields on the Form using electronic signatures produced with software programs or applications.

▪ Electronically reproduced copies of a signature. Students and employers may sign all signature fields on the Form using digitally reproduced copies of a signature. A digitally reproduced copy may be a scanned image of a physical signature. It CANNOT be a screenshot of a signature from a different document.

▪ Typed names in cursive font cannot be accepted for experience sponsor signatures, as they are not verified signatures.

Once you have a job offer letter and a signed CPT agreement, you can apply for CPT on the current student request form.  

You must have both documents before you can apply.

*If your employer refuses to sign the CPT agreement, we can accept a letter written by your employer on company letter head stating ALL of the following:

1. Acknowledgement that the student is on CPT
2. Student’s full legal name
3. Student’s Job Title
4. Employer’s Signature

This letter can be uploaded in lieu of the agreement in the Student Experiential Learning Form found in the CPT application

**If your company refuses to sign the agreement and will not write a letter stating the required information you will not be able to work for them under CPT.  There are no exceptions.

Application Link: https://suncas.trine.edu

You must submit an application for CPT for any of the following situations:

• Starting Initial CPT
• CPT Extension with Current Employer
• Switching Employers
• Starting a 2nd job
• Switching from part-time to full time, or vice versa
• Legal Name Change of current employer
• Starting a new position with your current employer (*if the job duties and responsibilities differ significantly from your former position)

Your CPT must end prior to your Graduation Date.  You cannot be authorized for CPT post-graduation.

To extend CPT, you need to complete the same application used for Initial CPT requests

There are 5 forms in the application:

US Address

• Current residential address

Employment Information

• Information that will be uploaded to SEVIS
• Name of CPT Employer: Please note that the employer company name you use for your application must match the legal entity that is paying you. For example:
  • Holding company vs subsidiary: Subsidiaries are often operated separately from the holding company. For example, Google LLC is a subsidiary of its holding company, Alphabet Inc. In this case, Google LLC is the legal entity that pays its employees
  • DBA names: DBA names are used by some companies for a variety of reasons to operate under a different name. For example, a Subway franchise may operate under the name "Subway," but the company that owns and operates the local franchise likely has a different legal name. The company that owns the franchise is the legal entity that pays its employees

Employment Documentation

• Job Offer Letter or Verification Letter
• Job Description

Student Experiential Learning

• Download Instructions
• Download blank form with School representative’s signature
• Must download the most recent document every time you apply

Submission

• Attestations of understanding

Expect up to 14 business days for initial review.

All students have 5 business days to update any requested documentation, or their application will be closed.

Review times will be longer during peak seasons, please plan accordingly.

Students are permitted to engage in 2 CPT authorizations concurrently. You must submit a separate CPT authorization request for each CPT opportunity:

• 1 Full Time and 1 Part Time CPT Authorization.
• 2 Part Time CPT Authorizations.
  • Please be aware that USCIS may view 2 Part Time CPT Authorizations the same as their would view 1 Full Time CPT Authorization when considering OPT eligibility. 

Students CANNOT work 2 Full Time Jobs.

Students CANNOT work more than 2 jobs at a time

To work a 2^nd job on CPT you must complete an application for each position.

• Complete the CPT application for your 1^st job
• Wait 24hours after your receive your updated I20
• Complete the CPT application for your 2^nd job

You CANNOT have 2 CPT applications open at the same time.  Having 2 applications will cause an error and your application could get lost.

CPT Application Deadlines:

• Apply for CPT at least 4 weeks before the desired start date if an SSN is needed.
• Can apply up to 2 months before the desired start date.

Documents Needed for SSN Application:

• Passport
• Visa
• I-94
• I20 with CPT authorization
• Two proofs of residency (Trine University can provide one Proof of Residency Form)
• SS-5 form
• SSN Support Letter

Documents Provided by the School:

• I20 with CPT authorization (processing time: 10-14 business days)
• One Proof of Residency Form (processing time: 3-5 days)
• SS-5 form
• SSN Support Letter (processing time: 3-5 days)

Recommendations:

• Apply for the Proof of Residency and SSN Support Letter simultaneously for quicker processing.
• You MUST obtain the CPT authorized I20 before submitting the SSN Support Letter request.
• Ensure the information in the SSN Support Letter matches the I20 exactly to avoid denial.

SSN Application Process:

• Bring all required documents to the SSN office closest to your residence.
• Expect a minimum of 2 weeks to receive the SSN after application submission.
• Contact the SSN office directly for updates on the application status.

CPT Course Registration: BA 6000Z - Graduate Internship

• All students on CPT will be automatically registered for the CPT course.
• Registration occurs the Monday before your CPT start date, not upon receiving your I20.
• If you start working immediately after receiving your I20, registration occurs the Monday after your CPT start date.
• If not registered within 1 week of starting employment, email practicaltraining@Trine.edu.

Semester Registration:

• Must be registered for the CPT course every semester of employment, including Summer.
• Registration for the next semester’s CPT course happens after the program start date, not when class registration opens.
• Do not request registration; it is automatic.

Course Requirements:

• The CPT course is not part of the required academic courses for your degree.
• The CPT course cannot replace any required courses.
• The CPT course is mandatory for participating in CPT.
• Save copies of CPT course assignments as they contain legal documents needed for OPT or H1B applications.

Course Cost:

• The CPT course costs $287.50 per semester.

Refunding Course Fee:

• The course fee is non-refundable after CPT authorization starts.
• If you do not request cancellation before your CPT start date you will not be refunded for the class.
• If you cancel CPT prior to CPT start date, we will refund the course fee
  • Allow 1 week for your bill to update in NelNet.

Course Completion and Re-registration:

• After ending your CPT, you will be dropped from the course within 1 week.
• Save all course work for your records before stopping work.
• If you cancel or complete CPT during the semester, you will be withdrawn from the course.
• If starting a new CPT in the same semester, you will be re-added to the same section.
  • You will only pay 1 time each semester for the CPT course
  • Previously completed assignments will not need to be redone

Incoming Students:

• Must be registered for 6 credits (2 classes) to apply for CPT during the summer term.
• Will also be registered for the 0.5 credit CPT course.
• The CPT course cannot be used as one of the 2 mandatory courses.

Current Students:

• Must be registered for Fall classes before Spring Commencement.
• If not registered for Fall courses, CPT authorization will be terminated before the summer term class start date, 
  • Will need to complete new CPT application to gain new work authorization
• Do NOT need to take Summer Semester academic courses 
• Must take the summer CPT course
  • Students are automatically registered after the summer program start date.

New CPT Application: Change Hours Worked or Employers

• Must be completed at least 14 business days before the following changes:
  • Request to extend employment
  • Change of employer
  • Employer has a legal change of name
  • Starting a new academic program at Trine University

Delay CPT start date:

• To change your CPT start date, email practicaltraining@trine.edu with your new requested start date and reason for the request. Please reach out BEFORE your current start date has passed if you wish to cancel your current start date and delay it to a later day.

Employer Updates:

You will only receive a new I20 if you are changing your physical work location.  All other changes will be saved in our system but do not require SEVIS reporting under CPT.

CPT Update Employer Information Form

• Change to physical work location - New I20 Required
  • Remote Work - Current residential Address
  • In Office - Office address
  • Hybrid - Either address may be on your I20
• Change of Job Title or Job Description - Current authorized Employer 
  • Upload new job description in the form
  • May continue working on current CPT authorization unless advised otherwise
• Change of Supervisor Information
  • We do not need this information; however, you may upload this if you want it saved in the school’s system

Change of CPT End Date Form:

• Must be completed if:
  • Unable to start employment
  • Employment is terminated early
  • Change of visa status
  • Graduating before the currently authorized CPT end date
  • Traveling internationally for more than 1 week

I20 Update:

• I20 only shows currently active CPT authorizations.
• Submit request at least 1 week before stopping work to update I20 with the new CPT end date.

Company Name Change:

• Apply for a new CPT authorization at least 2 weeks before the company's legal name change.
• SEVIS and USCIS consider a change in company name as working for a new company.
• The requested CPT start date should be the effective date of the name change.

Updated Documents Required:

• Provide a new verification letter and job description on the updated employer letterhead.
• Documentation from your employer verifying the name change and effective date is required.

International Travel on CPT:

• Not recommended to travel internationally while on CPT.

Short-term Travel: 2 weeks or less

• Inform your employer and DSO about your travel plans.
• Obtain a letter from your employer on official company letterhead, signed and indicating:
  • Approval of travel outside the U.S. during the authorized employment period.
  • Confirmation that you will return to complete the CPT employment period.
  • Prepare proof of funds showing you can support yourself during your studies (CPT salary cannot be used as proof of funds).

For absences longer than a two weeks: 

• Complete CPT Change of End Date Request form to terminate CPT to avoid compliance issues.
• Complete Withdraw form.

Working while Abroad: Not Allowed

The US Government CANNOT authorize work that is not on US soil.  Legally, we cannot authorize CPT while you are abroad.

Stopping Work on CPT End Date:

• No action needed if stopping work on the CPT authorization end date as written on your I20.
• Automatic drop from the CPT course the Monday after your work ends.
• No updated I20 needed.

Inaccurate CPT End Date:

• Submit the Change of CPT End Date Request
• Ensure correct dates are submitted (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Cannot change the CPT end date once it has passed.

I20 Documentation:

• I20 only shows currently active CPT.
• To get an I20 with an updated CPT end date, complete the request at least 1 week before stopping work.
• CPT authorization will not be printed on I20 once employment end date has passed.

Reasons for Completing the Change of CPT End Date Request:

• Loss of job/quitting employment.
• Change of visa status.
• Graduating before the current program end date on I20.
• International travel.

Changing Employment:

• For a change of employment, provide your current CPT end date in the CPT application.
• No need to fill out the Change of CPT End Date request form.

Changing CPT Start Date:

• Email PracticalTraining@trine.edu to change the CPT authorized start date.

Start dates can only be delayed 

Complete a new CPT application

• Select “Starting New Program” as the reason for applying
• Requested start date must be after your current program end date and the new program start date

Work Suspension:

• Stop working as of your current graduation date until you receive an updated I20 with your new program information.
• SEVIS cannot be updated before the current program has completed and the new program has started.
• Prepare to take a couple of days leave from work while SEVIS updates are processed.

Work Authorization Termination:

• GPA drops below 3.0
• Fail the CPT course
• Drop Below Full Time Student Status
• Email notice of CPT termination sent to your Trine address with new CPT end date.
• Typically, at least 1 week’s notice before CPT termination.

Reapplying for CPT:

• GPA is below 3.0:
  • May apply for CPT after probation period has ended.
  • 1 full semester if GPA has increased
• Failed CPT course:
  • Cannot reapply for a full semester.
  • Examples: 
    • Fail Spring CPT course, cannot reapply until Fall
    • Fail Fall CPT course, cannot reapply until Summer

CPT Cancellation:

• If you did not complete the CPT shorten end date request form before classes ended, resulting in failing the CPT course:
  • CPT will be terminated
  • Cannot reapply for CPT the following semester.

No Exceptions:

• Special circumstances (e.g., illness) must be communicated with professors during classes.
• Final grades will not be changed once submitted.
• All Grade disputes must go through your professor or academic director

Before Receiving H1B:

• If your employer is interested in sponsoring you for H1B but your current CPT will be ending before the H1B lottery period, you can request a letter of eligibility by completing the form  H1B Support Letter.

Consular Processing:

• If you have been approved for H1B with consular processing and wish to continue working on CPT until your Change of Status, you will need to contact your assigned DSO immediately and send a copy of your I797 B for so that your SEVIS account can remain active during this time.

Change of Visa Status:

• Complete the Change of Visa Status form https://trine.jotform.com/221083171405950
• This updates your SEVIS record to reflect your new visa status.

Post-Approval Actions:

• After Government approval, complete the Change of CPT End date
  • Dropped from CPT Course
  • If SEVIS is still active - New I20 will be sent
• Use the H1B Visa authorization date as the requested CPT end date.
• Select "H1B Approval" as the reason for submitting the update request.

Important Reminder:

• Failure to complete these steps may result in being registered for the next semester’s CPT course, incurring additional fees.
• The CPT course fee is non-refundable

Graduating Early:

• Fill out the Change of Program End Date
• Fill out the Change of CPT End Date Request
• CPT cannot be authorized after your graduation date.

Applying for OPT:

• Program end date and CPT end date must be correct before applying
• Find OPT information here