CPT vs OPT

Many students worldwide choose to study in the U.S. for its top-ranked universities and high-quality education. International work experience can strengthen your resume and improve your chances of global employability.

As an international student in the USA, you have the opportunity to work part-time or full-time during or after your studies. Employment authorisations for students in the US include CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training).

This article explains CPT and OPT, their eligibility criteria and the application process.

What is CPT?

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. As per the F1 visa regulations, it is defined as: “alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”

In simpler terms, CPT allows international students on an F1 (non-immigrant) visa to take up internships, projects, co-ops, and work placements in the USA.

The term “curricular” refers to work that is an essential part of your academic programme, such as a mandatory internship or course-related work experience.

CPT is a temporary authorisation that allows international students to work in the U.S. while they are still studying.

What is OPT?

Optional practical training (OPT) allows you to work temporarily in a job directly related to your field of study as listed on Form I-20. You can typically apply for OPT after completing your studies. Standard OPT is issued for a maximum duration of 12 months. For STEM students, OPT can be extended for an additional 24 months.

Once your OPT is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), which allows you to work legally in the U.S. 

Types of OPT

• Pre-completion OPT: OPT authorised before your course end date; can be part-time or full-time
• Post-completion OPT: OPT authorised after your course end date; must be full-time.

Work limits under OPT

• Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week
• Full-time: 21 hours or more (up to 40) per week.

When you can apply

• After completing coursework, but before finishing a thesis or dissertation
• After completing your full study programme

Key differences between CPT and OPT

 Eligibility criteria

CPT eligibility criteria

• Must hold a valid F-1 non-immigrant status.
• Must be enrolled full-time for at least 1 academic year
• Must be in good academic standing. Should have a CGPA of 2.0 or higher
• Must have an internship registration or a job offer
• Work must be directly related to your major field of study
• Must receive CPT approval from your Designated School Official (DSO) before starting work.

OPT eligibility criteria

• Should be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)- accredited institution
• Should have a valid F1 visa
• Your OPT employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
• Must not have exceeded OPT limits
• Must not have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT.

When and how to apply for CPT and OPT

You can apply for CPT while you study to get practical experience relevant to your subject area. CPT must be authorised by a designated school official (DSO).

Applying for CPT

• Log in to your university’s international student portal.
• Submit your CPT application at least 2-3 weeks in advance
• Wait for approval from your DSO
• Receive your updated Form I-120 with CPT authorisation
• Share documents with your employer before starting your work.

Documents required

• Job or internship offer letter
• Academic recommendation form
• Copy of current Form I-20
• Copy of form I-94

Applying for OPT

1. Before applying for OPT, you must apply for graduation through your university.
2. Request an OPT-recommended I-20 from your international office.
3. Attend any document review sessions.
4. Receive your updated Form I-20
5. Submit Form I‑765 to USCIS (online or by post)
6. Wait for EAD approval before starting work

Documents required for OPT:

• Two passport-size photographs
• Original Form I-765 (application for employment authorisation)
• Copy of current passport
• Form I-94
• Updated Form I‑20 with OPT recommendation
• Copies of all previously issued I-20 forms
• Copies of any previously issued EAD cards
• visa copy

OPT for STEM students

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates can extend their OPT by 24 months.

Eligibility:

• Must have valid F-1 status
• Must be currently employed under post-completion OPT
• Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM field. If you already have a STEM degree in the U.S.:
  • You must have obtained your most recent degree (not necessarily STEM) from an SEVP-accredited US school
  • You should have earned the prior STEM degree within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension
  • Your STEM degree must be on the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time of your application submission (not the time when you received your degree)
• Must have a paid employment offer from an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify programme. Confirm directly with your employer, as the USCIS database may not always be accurate:
  • Employment must be at least 20 hours of work per week
  • It should provide formal training and learning goals directly related to your STEM degree
• Must complete and sign Form I-983 (training plan) in collaboration with your employer

Applying for STEM OPT extension

1. Review your 12-month OPT information and ensure it is correct. Update information as required.
2. Complete the application forms, such as the I-983 Training Plan and the I-765, without errors.
3. Once your DSO reviews and accepts your Form I-983, they will issue a new Form I-20 recommending your STEM OPT.
4. You must then file Form I-765 with USCIS (or send it by mail) and pay the required fee. Once approved, USCIS will issue your EAD.

Can you do both CPT and OPT?

Yes, you can apply for both CPT and OPT at the same time, but with conditions:

• If you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for OPT.
• Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

As an international student, understanding and complying with U.S. employment regulations is crucial to avoid legal trouble.

• Working without the necessary work authorisation, such as CPT or OPT, is a serious violation of your F-1 visa status. You must obtain approval from your Designated School Official (DSO) for CPT and USCIS for OPT before starting your internship or paid employment.
• Delaying meetings or consultations with your DSO.  
• Working in an internship or job unrelated to your degree programme.
• Failing to report changes to your name, legal status, address, employer or other relevant details to your DSO promptly.
• Failing to submit a validation report to your DSO every 6 months, even if there are no changes to your personal or employment details.
• Not adhering to the working hours permitted under CPT or OPT regulations.
• Focusing solely on full-time CPT and consequently losing eligibility for OPT is another common mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cap-Gap extension?

When a company wishes to extend a student’s employment, the student must change visa status from F-1 to H-1B. The cap-gap extension allows the student to remain in the U.S. between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B employment.

What is the primary difference between CPT and OPT?

CPT is used during your studies, while OPT is mainly used after graduation.

Does CPT impact OPT eligibility?

Yes. If you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you lose OPT eligibility.

Can CPT lead to an H‑1B visa?

No, CPT itself does not lead to H‑1B.

How long can one stay in the US after OPT?

You can stay for up to 60 days after your OPT or STEM OPT expires.