CPT vs OPT: What International Students Need to Know About Work Options
Here’s a detailed breakdown of CPT vs OPT to help international students on an F-1 visa understand their work options clearly:
🎓 CPT vs OPT: What International Students Need to Know About Work Options
International students in the U.S. often hear about CPT and OPT, but what’s the difference—and which one is right for you?
🧾 What Are CPT and OPT?
| Term | Full Form | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CPT | Curricular Practical Training | Off-campus work that is part of your academic curriculum (internships, practicums) |
| OPT | Optional Practical Training | Work authorization to gain practical experience in your field of study, before or after graduation |
🔍 Key Differences Between CPT and OPT
| Feature | CPT | OPT |
|---|---|---|
| 📚 Purpose | Required for coursework or degree | Optional work experience |
| 🗓️ When to Use | During your academic program | Before (Pre-OPT) or after (Post-OPT) graduation |
| 💼 Job Offer Needed? | ✅ Yes (before applying) | ❌ No (but needed to maintain status during OPT) |
| 📄 Approval Authority | Your school's DSO (Designated School Official) | USCIS (U.S. immigration authority) |
| ⏳ Processing Time | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 months |
| 💸 Application Fee | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (~$410) |
| 🕒 Work Hours | ≤20 hrs/week (part-time) or full-time (if allowed) | Full-time (after graduation) |
| ⚠️ Limits | 12 months of full-time CPT removes OPT eligibility | 12 months max (plus 24-month STEM extension if eligible) |
| 📘 Documentation | CPT request form + updated I-20 | Form I-765 + I-20 + passport, visa, etc. |
✅ CPT Quick Facts
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Must be tied to a course or program requirement
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You cannot use CPT for a job unrelated to your major
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Requires an official job offer before application
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Can be paid or unpaid
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Part-time CPT is most common during semesters
✅ OPT Quick Facts
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Does not require a job offer at the time of application
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Work must be directly related to your major
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Apply early (up to 90 days before graduation)
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Limited to 90 days of unemployment during Post-OPT
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Can apply for 24-month STEM extension if you qualify
📌 CPT vs OPT at a Glance
| Category | CPT | OPT |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible From | After 1 academic year | After 1 academic year (Pre-OPT); after graduation (Post-OPT) |
| Job Field Match | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Employer Restrictions | Must align with CPT requirement | Any relevant employer |
| Can Be Used Multiple Times? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Only once per degree level |
| Affects Other Work Options? | ✅ Full-time CPT may eliminate OPT eligibility | ❌ No direct effect on CPT |
🎯 Which One Should You Use?
Use CPT if:
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You need an internship to fulfill degree requirements
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You have a job offer from a company aligned with your curriculum
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You're still studying and want course-linked experience
Use OPT if:
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You’re graduating and want to gain real-world job experience
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You want more flexible employment options
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You’re in a STEM field and plan to apply for a 24-month extension
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Starting work before CPT or OPT approval
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❌ Using full-time CPT for over 12 months (you lose OPT)
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❌ Working in a job unrelated to your major
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❌ Missing USCIS OPT deadlines (especially 60-day post-graduation window)
💬 Final Thoughts
Both CPT and OPT are powerful tools to gain U.S. work experience—but they come with strict rules. Plan ahead, talk to your DSO, and choose the option that best supports your academic and career goals.
