Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 employment authorization that allows students to participate in externship seminars, fieldwork-based practicum courses, or other courses that require an off-campus internship component. Course enrollment is required in order to apply for CPT.
Continue reading below to learn more about CPT and the CPT application process.
GEORGETOWN LAW'S CPT POLICY
Georgetown Law requires that F-1 students apply for CPT after enrolling in any course that requires an off-campus internship component, even if the work component is unpaid. For example, if a student participates in an externship seminar with a placement at the U.S. Tax Court, the student will need to be authorized for CPT prior to their first day at the externship placement.
Georgetown Law does not usually allow students to participate in paid placements as part of an externship, practicum, or clinic course. But, exceptions apply for qualifying government, nonprofit, or judicial field placements in the J.D. Externship Program.
COURSES ELIGIBLE FOR CPT
You are eligible to apply for CPT if you are enrolled in one of the following courses:
Project-Based Practicum Courses do not require CPT authorization
J.D. Transnational Law Practice Field Study Summer Course
These courses count toward the total number of credits required for graduation, and they are listed in the Curriculum Guide. Externship or practicum placement is required for course enrollment.
CPT can be authorized for 2Ls, 3Ls, and LL.M. students in a practice-oriented degree track. See the Student Handbook for information about practice-oriented LL.M. degree tracks.
APPLY FOR CPT
After enrolling in an eligible course, you will need to complete and email the following materials to lawcentervisa@georgetown.edu:
Fieldwork-Based Practicums: A copy of your unofficial transcript from MyAccess displaying your enrollment in the fieldwork-based practicum course. (For courses requiring manual enrollment, you may submit your approval to be enrolled in the course if you have not yet been enrolled by the Office of the Registrar.)
J.D. Transnational Law Practice Field Study: Complete the Transnational Law Practice Field Study Application Form once it is available in the course description in the Curriculum Guide. A copy of your submission will be automatically sent to lawcentervisa@georgetown.edu and will act as proof of enrollment for CPT.
You will receive a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization about 1-3 business days after submitting your application materials.
Do not begin your placement until your new Form I-20 with CPT authorization has been issued.
If you drop or withdraw from a course after being approved for CPT, please notify your International Student Advisor so that your CPT authorization can be ended.
