2a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisionsb : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body.
1 The work may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, which take place off-campus. 2  CPT is granted for a specific position, employer, and period.  You are not required to obtain work authorization to engage in bona fide (legitimate) volunteer activities or unpaid internships. However, if possible, we recommend that you apply for CPT if you are engaging in an unpaid internship. Please see our page on âVolunteering and Unpaid Internshipsâ for more information.
Other Information. 1  CPT requires course registration as indicated in the CPT application form for the semester in which CPT occurs (summer included). 2  CPT authorization cannot be backdated. 3  You are only authorized to work on CPT for the dates listed on your new I-20 (3rd page). 4  CPT authorization can only be given for 1 year at a time.