Employment Resources

Employment Regulations

CPT allows F-1 students to complete an internship, co-op, or practicum for the purpose of gaining practical experience directly related to their major field of study.  Students may only be employed by a specific employer, at a specific location, and for specific dates, as approved by International Services.  Students may work as much as is required by their academic program, provided labor laws and other relevant laws are followed.  USCIS regulations state that an F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a CPT program.  To grant authorization for a student to engage in CPT, a DSO at a SEVIS school will update the student’s SEVIS record as being authorized for CPT that is directly related to their major area of study.  Students may begin working with their CPT employer once they have received their updated I-20 reflecting the CPT work authorization and the start date has begun.

I-9 Requirements

Option 1:

  • Unexpired Foreign Passport,
  • Form I-20 (with DSO’s employment authorization), and
  • Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status.  The “Admit Until Date” must show D/S.

Option 2:

  • US Driver’s License that contains all the information stated in List B, Item 1;
  • Form I-20 (with DSO’s employment authorization); and
  • Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status.  The “Admit Until Date” must show D/S.

The passport/US driver’s license establishes identity.  The I-20 states at which college or university the student is enrolled and their CPT employment dates, while the I-94 verifies that the student entered the US in F-1 status.

Social Security Number

F-1 students must receive an internship offer before they can receive CPT authorization from their DSO.  If your student’s internship will be paid, they will need to apply for a social security number.  Please refer to the Social Security Number Issuance Guides for Course Credit or Department Head Approval, depending on how your student received CPT authorization, for more information if your student needs to apply for a social security number.

Contact International Programs

Email: internationalstudents@tarleton.edu

Phone: 254-968-9632