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It's OK to search and apply before you are eligible or approved for CPT. Below are some resources within UW Tacoma:
- Career Development and Education > Find Jobs & Internships (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/career)
- Milgard School of Business > Success Center (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/milgard/success)
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences > Student Resources >Internships (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sias/internships)
- School of Engineering and Technology > Student Resources > Internships and Careers (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/set/students/career)
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An internship is optional for most majors, therefore students must register for an internship class.
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Learn how to register for an internship class and class expectations.
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Check if the advisor agrees that the positions are directly related to the major area of study. Students cannot do CPT for their minors.
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Pay attention to the Academic Calendar (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/registrar) for the last date to add a course for the quarter.
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Make sure the internship offer letter follows these guidelines:
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The letter should be on company letterhead (company name and address)
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Include position title, start, and end date, the position duties/responsibilities
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Include compensation (if the internship is paid)
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Signature from hiring manager/internship supervisor
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Log into the ISSS Portal. Navigate to "Student Requests and Documents" section and click on CPT Request Form.
NOTICE: CPT request form is only available to student with an active SEVIS record. If you are a new student and your SEVIS record has not been activated, you will NOT be able to access this form. If you need assistance, please email: uwtiss@uw.edu.
In the request for, you will need to fill out basic info such as CPT dates, internship address and your academic advisor's info. You will also need to upload a copy of internship offer letter. Once you submit, your academic/ graduate program advisor will receive an email for approval. If they do not respond, your request won't be submitted. Please email uwtiss@uw.edu if you experience any issue.
Allow 5 business days for processing. Your International Student Advisor will issue your CPT approved I-20. The new I-20 will list details of CPT authorization on the second page. Verify that the information is correct - specifically full-time/part-time, start date, end date, employer name, city, and state information.
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Students without SSN must apply for SSN if their internship is paid.
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If you have CPT but your internship is not paid, you can still apply for an SSN.
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Students can apply for SSN no earlier than 30 days before the internship start date.
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Visit this page (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/oga/isss-ssn) to learn more about the application process.