Understanding the distinctions between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) is vital for overseas students on F-1 visas hoping to get job experience in the U.S. Both programs offer useful chances, but they are different in terms of when they are available, who may apply, and how to apply.
It’s important to stay up to date because the immigration situation is changing in 2025, with more scrutiny and regulatory changes influencing work permits. This book gives a full picture of CPT and OPT, pointing out their unique characteristics, benefits, and things to think about to help you choose the best option for you.
A Quick Look at CPT and OPT
Both CPT and OPT let F-1 international students work in the U.S., but they are different in terms of when and how you can work. Knowing these differences can help you get the most out of your training without putting your visa status at risk.
| Part | CPT (Curricular Practical Training) | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Goal | Work that is part of the curriculum (internships, co-ops) | Work experience connected to your degree that you did after or before finishing it |
| When it’s possible | During the academic program, which is normally after a year of study | Before or after graduation; usually used after graduation |
| Time Limits | You can work full-time for up to 12 months without losing your OPT eligibility. | Maximum of 12 months full-time (with a 24-month STEM extension if you qualify) |
| Permission | Must get permission from the school’s DSO and USCIS (via SEVIS) | Needs USCIS permission, which takes longer to process |
| Type of work | Paid or unpaid, and connected to your subject of study | Paid or not, related to the field of study |
| Effect on Visa Status | If you work part-time, you can still get an OPT. If you work full-time for more than 12 months, you lose your OPT. | You can use OPT for up to 12 months without impacting your visa status |
What is the CPT (Curricular Practical Training)?
What CPT is For
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) enables F-1 international students to participate in paid or unpaid work experiences that are directly pertinent to their primary field of study. These can be internships, cooperative education programs, practicums, or other hands-on learning experiences that are an important part of the academic curriculum.
CPT helps students learn in the classroom by giving them real-world examples. It also helps them build professional skills and networks while they are still in school.
Who Can Get CPT
Students must have finished at least one full academic year of full-time study to be eligible for CPT. The only exception is for graduate students whose programs demand immediate CPT.
The Designated School Official (DSO) must approve the work and it must be connected to the student’s major. Also, students need to have a job offer that fits with their degree program or course requirements.
CPT Limitations
You can get CPT for either part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). However, if you do full-time CPT for more than 12 months, you won’t be able to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)).
CPT must be customized to the employer and require the right paperwork and permission from the school before starting work. Working without permission can put your visa status at risk.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
There are Two Types of OPT: Pre-Completion and Post-Completion
F-1 students can work in a job related to their major for up to 12 months with OPT. Before graduation, students can work part-time during school hours as part of their pre-completion OPT.
After graduation, post-completion OPT lets you work full-time. Most students use OPT to get real-world experience after they finish their degree.
Who Can Get OPT
Students must have finished one full year of school and keep their F-1 status up to date. Before starting OPT, they need to ask USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students can only be unemployed for 90 days after they finish their OPT.
STEM OPT Extension
Students who have degrees in qualified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects can apply for a 24-month OPT extension, which will give them a total of 36 months of work permission.
You must work for an E-Verify employer and have a formal training plan to be eligible. This extension gives STEM graduates extra time to work in the U.S. before switching to other types of visas.
Extension of the Cap-Gap
If an F-1 student files for an H-1B visa and their petition is still being processed or has been approved when their OPT ends, they may be able to get a cap-gap extension. This lets them keep working until October 1, when their H-1B status begins. This stops students who are moving from one job to another from having gaps in their work authorization.
What is the Real Difference Between CPT and OPT?
The Process of Getting Permission
Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) gives you permission for CPT, and this is recorded on your SEVIS record. It doesn’t need USCIS clearance, but it does need to be specific to your job and related to your studies.
On the other hand, OPT requires you to fill out Form I-765 and get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before you may work. It could take a few months to finish this process.
Length of Time and Hours of Work
CPT might be full-time or part-time, which means working 20 hours or less a week. But if you work full-time CPT for more than 12 months, you can’t apply for OPT.
After graduation, OPT lets you work full-time for up to 12 months. If you qualify, you can get a 24-month STEM extension. You can also do part-time OPT before you graduate.
When to Use Each
Use CPT when work is an important part of your academic curriculum. It works great for internships or co-op programs.
After you graduate, use OPT to get more job experience in your field, either full-time or part-time.
Can You Use Both?
Yes! A lot of students use CPT for internships while they’re in school and OPT for jobs that are linked to their careers once they graduate. Just remember that if you do CPT full-time for more than 12 months, you won’t be able to apply for OPT. You need to plan carefully with your DSO.
How to Pick Between CPT and OPT
- Do you need to do the work for your classes?
If so, CPT is probably the best option because it is meant for jobs that are important to your academic program. - Do you want to get some work experience when you graduate?
After you finish your degree, OPT is the ideal way to get real-world experience that will open up more career opportunities. - How long do you want to work?
If the job is only for a brief time or part-time throughout school, think about CPT. OPT with STEM extension (if you qualify) gives you extra time for extended full-time job. - Have you been using full-time CPT for more than a year?
If so, you won’t be able to get OPT, so talk to your DSO about how to make the most of both chances.
💡 Pro Tip: To make sure you don’t miss any deadlines or paperwork, always talk to your Designated School Official and your school’s international student office early.
How to Get CPT and OPT
You need to pay close attention to the details when you fill out CPT and OPT forms.
How to Apply for CPT
- Get a Job Offer: Get an internship or job offer that has something to do with your major.
- Get Academic Approval: Talk to your academic counselor to make sure the work fulfills CPT standards.
- Request CPT from DSO: Give your job offer and academic approval to your Designated School Official so they can give you permission.
- Get CPT Authorization: After your DSO approves your request, they will add the CPT information to your SEVIS record so you can start working legally.
How to Apply for OPT
- Go to an OPT Workshop: Many institutions need students to go to or talk to someone about the requirements for OPT.
- Fill out and submit Form I-765, the Employment Authorization Document application, to USCIS.
- Get OPT Approval: Don’t start working until your EAD card arrives.
- Report Employment: As part of your OPT, you must keep your school up to speed on your job status.
Questions that Come Up Often (CPT vs. OPT)
- Can I complete both OPT and CPT?
Yes, a lot of students use CPT for internships while they are still in school and OPT for jobs once they graduate. But if you use more than 12 months of full-time CPT, you won’t be able to get OPT. - What will happen if I take too much CPT?
If you work full-time for more than 12 months, you can’t get an OPT. Plan carefully with your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) so you don’t lose crucial time to work. - Can I work full-time while on CPT?
Yes, but only during official breaks or if your CPT is approved for full-time work. While classes are in session, part-time CPT can only work 20 hours a week. - How long does it take to get OPT approval?
After USCIS gets your application, it usually takes 3–5 months to complete it. Apply early so you don’t have to wait to get a job once you graduate. - Is it okay to travel while on OPT or CPT?
You can travel, but you need to have the right papers, like a valid visa, I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel endorsement, and your EAD card (for OPT). Before you travel, talk to your DSO.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?
It depends on your school program, career ambitions, and schedule whether you should choose CPT or OPT. CPT is great for getting real-world experience while you’re in school, and OPT gives you more job options after you graduate.
To make sure you follow visa rules, start planning early and stay in touch with your Designated School Official (DSO). You can get the most out of your job experience without putting your F-1 status at risk if you plan beforehand. To get the most out of these great programs, you need to stay up to date on what’s new in 2025.
