Internships and CPT for International Students

Completing the Internship Workshop through the Experiential Learning Center (ELC) and the CPT Eligibility Course through ISSS are the first steps in the internship and CPT process. Both workshops are available on Canvas at no cost. You only need to complete them once. 

The Internship Workshop will introduce you to the internship process, intern rights and responsibilities, and how to use Handshake. Attending the Internship Workshop will give you access to apply for internships through Handshake and schedule an appointment with your Internship Advisor. 

Sign up for Canvas Internship Workshop

Enroll in Canvas CPT Eligibility Course

Meet with your Internship Advisor before applying to internships. Internship Advisors can help you explore internship options, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, understanding the academic or not-for-credit internship programs, and more.

After you meet with your Internship Advisor, you will be ready to begin searching for internships. The ELC manages an internship database called Handshake. We recommend starting there! But don’t limit yourself to just Handshake. You can find your internship from any online source or through networking (create your own!). Not sure if you’re ready for an internship? Talk to your Internship Advisor about networking and informational interviewing to start building your network. 

Now that you have found some internships that appeal to you, start applying with your updated resume (and cover letter, if requested). Make sure to only apply for internships where you meet all the minimum qualifications. While you may not get an interview every time you apply, if your resume is targeted appropriately, you should start getting interviews. Keep applying until you receive an offer and accept it. If you aren’t getting any interviews for internships where you meet all the minimum qualifications after applying for 10 positions, schedule an appointment with your Internship Advisor to have your resume reviewed. (It’s your resume, not you.) We are here to help!

Once you have received and accepted an offer for an internship – CONGRATULATIONS! - It’s time to Solidify your internship and start the CPT process! The next steps are:

1. Get an offer letter from the employer
2. Email your ELC internship advisor for next steps
3. Report your position in Handshake (“Submit an Experience”)
4. Meet with your ELC internship advisor to start the approval process
5. Enroll in the internship course once approved
6. Get updated I-20 from ISSS

1. Once the ELC approves all the needed information from the employer and you, the ELC will send a request to ISSS to create a work authorization CPT I-20. 
2. ISSS will email you the CPT Student Data Entry Form (MyISSS). You may need to add your Academic Department’s Academic Advisor to confirm graduation date/completion of degree. 
3. Once you submit the completed CPT Student Data Entry Form ISSS will process the CPT I-20 work authorization within 10 business days.
4. If your need to apply for a Social Security Number:

• SS-5 Application form available HERE 
• Print out I-94 from HERE 
• I-20 or DS-2019 
• Offer Letter from Employer 
• Passport 
• Student ID Card 

For questions about the CPT process or the I-20, contact ISSS at 303-315-2230 or email isss@ucdenver.edu.