International Student Information

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization for F-1 students. Eligible students may seek authorization to work in an internship, co-op, or practicum that is directly related to your major field of study. The purpose of CPT is to apply the knowledge and skills you are gaining in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S.

ISS outlines the application process on their website.

• Step 1: receive an offer for practical training.
• Step 2: obtain a job offer letter from your employer.
• Step 3: send the job offer letter to your academic advisor who will be authorizing your CPT.
• Step 4: complete the ISS CPT application in Terra Dotta.
• CPT application forms should be submitted at least 15 business days before the requested CPT start date. The earliest date to submit your CPT application is the date that you enroll in your CPT course.

In Economics, your academic advisor will authorize your CPT application and your enrollment into the internship course (Econ 228). Note that career advisors cannot authorize CPT or enrollment in Econ 228.

Yes, CPT requires that students enroll in a course related to their practical training.

If your internship is related to economics, you will enroll in Econ 228, a one (1) credit elementary level course that is graded on a credit / no credit basis. Students should enroll for Econ 228 in the same semester/session in which the internship is granted and will be completed. All enrollments require prior approval by the Department of Economics. You are responsible for securing the internship before applying for the internship course credit.

If the internship is not related to economics, you will need to consider a different internship course led by another department, such as Inter-LS 260.

Before enrolling in Econ 228, you must meet these requirements:

• Declared economics major with a GPA of 2.2 or higher in the major
• Completed at least four (4) economics classes at UW-Madison
• Completed at least one (1) intermediate theory class (Economics 301, 311, 302, or 312)

Other stipulations:

• You will not receive credit for an internship completed while attending another university.
• You may take Economics 228, the internship course, for a maximum of two semesters and receive a total of two (2) credits, one credit per semester.

• Work as an intern a minimum of 100 hours during the term.
• The following documents must be submitted via email to econadvise@ssc.wisc.edu:
  • A letter from the internship supervisor at the start of the term confirming the internship and indicating the number of hours and duties that will be required.
  • A second letter from the internship supervisor at the end of the term (no later than the last day of scheduled classes) evaluating the intern’s performance and outlining the duties performed.
  • A 2-3 page paper, written by the student, describing the relationship of the internship to economics studies.  The paper should contain a brief description of of job duties and make connections between the internship and your educational experiences in economics.  This is due by the final day of classes of the semester in which the internship occurs.

Students can find the exceptions to full-time enrollment requirements listed on the ISS website.

Follow the steps listed on the ISS webpage.

• If you are in your final semester, please submit RCL request before the start date of classes for the semester once you have confirmed your enrollment requirements.
• For academic difficulties, submit RCL form during the add/drop period, and work with your advisor to identify a course that is a better fit for you. ISS must receive your documentation before the last day of classes.
• Medical RCL: submit the RCL application as soon as possible.

You are responsible for following the Registrar’s dates and deadlines, as well as any deadlines within L&S and the Economics department.

1. Confirm you meet ISS program extension eligibility requirements.
2. Send an email to an Economics academic advisor (please only email ONE person) stating your request, campus ID number, and when you want to extend your I-20 until.
3. Submit your program extension request form via Terra Dotta to that advisor.

An Economics academic advisor must sign the form. Career advisors cannot sign program extension request forms.

Take a look at your DARS reports for all programs. Whichever program has the most credits left to complete, send the request to that major advisor in Terra Dotta.

For example, Ana is majoring in Economics and Data Science. Ana has 4 data science and 14 economics major credits to complete. Since it will take them longer to complete economics, Ana will send the form to their economics advisor.

Please visit the ISS website’s Program Completion Checklist.

Federal regulations state that in order to be concurrently enrolled at another institution, both institutions must be SEVP-certified. So, before you enroll in a class at another school, check in with your ISS advisor and make sure there are no issues or surprises. If you take a course at an institution that is not SEVP-certified, you could put your F-1 visa status at risk!