OPT and CPT, Explained

What OPT and CPT are

F-1 international students in the United States can gain practical work experience related to their field of study through two main authorisation pathways: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

OPT is training that occurs after you complete your degree program. It gives you up to 12 months to work in a role directly related to your major field of study, and it is authorised by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through Form I-765.

CPT is training that is part of your curriculum and occurs before your program end date. It allows you to accept an internship, cooperative education placement, or another employer-sponsored practical experience that your school has made an integral part of your academic program. CPT is authorised by your Designated School Official (DSO) at your institution — not by USCIS.

Key differences between OPT and CPT

Understanding how OPT and CPT differ will help you plan your practical training strategically.

• Timing — OPT is post-completion (after your degree); CPT takes place while your program is active, before your I-20 end date.
• Authorisation — OPT requires a USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD); CPT is approved by your DSO and noted on your Form I-20.
• Integration with curriculum — CPT must be an integral, required part of your degree program; OPT does not have this requirement.
• Part-time vs full-time — both OPT and CPT can be part-time (20 hours or fewer per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours); however, 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT eligibility at that degree level.
• Application lead time — OPT applications should be submitted well in advance; start the process with your DSO at least 90 days before your intended start date. USCIS processing times vary — verify current processing times on uscis.gov before you apply.

Pre-completion OPT

OPT can also be used before you complete your degree — this is called pre-completion OPT. It follows the same 12-month limit, shared across pre- and post-completion use. Pre-completion OPT has its own rules on when you may work and for how many hours, similar to the on-campus employment limits.

Because pre-completion OPT reduces the time available for post-completion OPT, many students choose to reserve the full 12 months for after graduation when they are searching for full-time positions. Discuss the trade-offs with your DSO.

Maintaining lawful status during OPT

During OPT, you remain in F-1 status. Your employer must be directly related to your degree, and there are requirements around unemployment periods — extended unemployment during OPT can put your status at risk. USCIS and your DSO track your OPT through SEVIS.

Rules and thresholds can change; always verify the current requirements with your DSO and on the official USCIS and Study in the States websites before making any decisions. This guide provides orientation only and is not immigration advice.

Planning your practical training

Whether you choose CPT, OPT, or both depends on your program, your career goals, and how much time you need after graduation. Talk to your DSO early — ideally at the start of your degree — so you can map out an authorisation strategy that fits your timeline.

Verify all current rules, fees, forms, and processing times on the official sources below before taking action.