Difference Between CPT and OPT for F-1 Students

✅ Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are both work authorization options for F-1 students in the U.S. However, they have key differences in purpose, eligibility, duration, and rules.

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🔹 CPT vs. OPT: Key Differences

Feature	CPT (Curricular Practical Training)	OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Purpose	Work experience required for your degree (internship, co-op, training)	Work related to your major but not required for your degree
When You Can Use It	Before graduation (during your studies)	Before (Pre-Completion OPT) or after graduation (Post-Completion OPT)
Authorization Needed	Approved by DSO (Designated School Official)	Approved by USCIS (takes ~3 months)
Application Process	Faster – DSO issues CPT authorization on I-20	Slower – Must apply to USCIS with Form I-765
Full-Time or Part-Time?	Part-time (≤20 hrs/week) OR full-time (>20 hrs/week)	Pre-OPT: Part-time (≤20 hrs/week) during schoolPost-OPT: Full-time (>20 hrs/week)
Max Duration	No official limit, but usually 1 semester per employer	12 months (can extend for STEM majors)
Effect on OPT	12+ months of full-time CPT = No OPT eligibility	OPT does not affect CPT eligibility
Work Type	Must be part of the curriculum (related to a class or academic requirement)	Any job related to your major field of study
Employer Requirement	Must have a job offer before applying	No job offer required at the time of application
Can You Work After Graduation?	❌ No, CPT is only for students	✅ Yes, Post-OPT allows work after graduation
Can You Change Employers?	❌ No – CPT is employer-specific	✅ Yes – OPT allows employer flexibility

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🔹 When Should You Use CPT vs. OPT?

Use CPT If:

✅ Your school requires an internship or co-op for your degree.
✅ You already have a job offer before applying.
✅ You need immediate work authorization (since CPT is faster to approve).

Use OPT If:

✅ You want to work after graduation.
✅ You don’t have a job offer yet but want to apply.
✅ You want more flexibility to change employers.

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🔹 What About STEM OPT Extension?

✅ If your degree is in a STEM field, you can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT (total = 36 months of OPT).
✅ You must work for an E-Verify employer.

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🔹 Key Takeaways

✔ CPT = Work during school, must be part of curriculum, employer-specific.
✔ OPT = Work before/after graduation, more flexible, not employer-specific.
✔ CPT is approved by your school; OPT is approved by USCIS.
✔ 12+ months of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility.

Would you like help with CPT/OPT applications, choosing the best option, or job search strategies? 😊