Is there an unemployment limitation on CPT? I am a student in valid F-1 status. I obtained authorization for full-time CPT starting next week. …

… I just learned that my father is ill and I would like to leave the U.S. and visit him for a couple of weeks. May I start my CPT employment one or two weeks late?

Answer

Unlike with regard to OPT, there is no unemployment limit on CPT.  But you would need to make sure that you are still maintaining status by being enrolled full-time and by your CPT being an “integral part of an established curriculum.” That means that, in addition to full-time enrollment, your CPT must either be required by your program of study or registered for credit. If you miss all or part of your CPT, there may be a problem with meeting this requirement. If your CPT can be delayed, you should cancel it with your DSO prior to the start date. CPT authorization cannot be canceled with a retroactive effect. (05.Dec.2014)

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