Currently, Curricular Practical Training options for F-1 undergraduate students are indefinitely suspended, due to the fact that internship or practicum experiences are not required for completion of the Brown undergraduate degree. This suspension applies to CPT based on optional professional tracks, enrollment in an independent study course, and participation in optional semester away programs such as the Brown in Washington program.

Other Types of Work Authorization

F-1 students seeking internship authorization for Spring or Summer 2027 may wish to consider pre-completion OPT or other work authorization pathways. For more information, contact ISSS. 

Alternatives Experiences That Do Not Require Practical Training

F-1 students receiving an Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award (UTRA) are eligible to participate in the program without requiring special work authorization, as these awards are considered on-campus employment. 

Students who accept internships that are taking place outside of the U.S. do not need practical training, as U.S. work authorization is needed only when physically present in the U.S.

CPT Eligible Programs

Currently, six master's degree programs - including PRIME, Data Science, Public Affairs, Teaching, Urban Education Policy (UEP), and Public Health - incorporate mandatory internship or practicum requirements and are eligible for CPT. CPT requests for other programs are not being accepted at this time.

Other Types of Work Authorization

F-1 students seeking internship authorization for Spring or Summer 2027 may wish to consider pre-completion OPT or other work authorization pathways. For more information, contact ISSS. 

Alternatives Experiences That Do Not Require Practical Training

F-1 students engaged in on-campus employment, such as with a Brown faculty member, are not required to have practical training.

Students who accept internships that are taking place outside of the U.S. do not need practical training, as U.S. work authorization is needed only when physically present in the U.S.

PhD students are generally not eligible for Curricular Practical Training as internship, practicum, or similar experiential activities are not typically required for conferral of the doctoral degree. 

• Students considering participation in external activities such as external fellowships or professional development opportunities (e.g., teaching opportunities) should consider applying for pre-completion Optional Practical Training.
• PhD students in certain cases may be allowed to pursue a master's degree through the Open Graduate Education program, while still maintaining full-time enrollment in the PhD program. While academically permitted, enrollment in a master's program on this basis cannot be used as the basis for CPT.  
• PhD students working at an off-campus location pursuant to a research contract between Brown and the external organization may, in specific circumstances, be able to work under special on-campus employment rules called “educationally affiliated on-campus employment at an off-campus location.” Review the on-campus employment page for more information.
• PhD students on J-1 student visas are not subject to these restrictions, as CPT only applies to F-1 students.
• PhD students who are working on an approved dissertation proposal that requires employment with an external organization in order for the dissertation to be completed should contact Sonja Paulson, Assistant Director for International Student Services. In very limited circumstances, CPT necessary and required for completion of the dissertation may be considered.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for CPT, you must follow several steps to get CPT authorization. Please note: you cannot start your internship or practicum until you have received an updated Form I-20 from ISSS authorizing you to engage in CPT. 

Under current guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, CPT may only be granted for programs that incorporate a required or mandatory internship or practicum needed for the degree. CPT may not be granted for optional experiences, including optional professional tracks.

Talk to your program about your program's degree requirements, as well as your ISSS advisor.

CPT requests now require a completed Cooperative Agreement between Brown and the employer. The cooperative agreement includes many information items included in the standard employment offer letter, such as details regarding the internship organization, organization address, internship duties, work location, start and end dates, and other relevant information. 

• Contact your ISSS advisor for a copy of the Cooperative Agreement template

Once you have your CPT I-20, present it to your employer and follow their procedures for onboarding. 

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can apply for one based on your CPT authorization.