Understanding OPT and CPT in the USA

Highlights

• OPT and CPT offer international students real-world experience in their field of study while maintaining legal F-1 status.
• STEM graduates may extend their OPT by 24 months, totaling 36 months of work authorization.
• Recent policy updates have improved online OPT filing and clarified remote learning rules for CPT and OPT.

Article Hook

This article explores everything you need to know about OPT and CPT who is eligible, how to apply, the latest updates, and how they impact your future work opportunities in the USA.

Introduction

If you are studying in the United States as an international student, it’s vital to understand the required training you can get. Two ways to work are Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if you are in the United States on an F-1 visa. These programs provide students the opportunity to practice what they are learning after or while finishing, their academic studies.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that allows international students with F-1 status to work in the United States for up to 12 months in a job directly related to their major area of study. Students who study STEM fields can seek an additional extension for 24 months, making it a total stay of 36 months. The OPT program consists of two categories: pre-completion OPT used when classes are ongoing and post-completion OPT used once studies are finished. A lot of students apply for OPT after their graduation for full-time job experience. Students should complete the application for OPT with USCIS, get approval and receive an EAD before they start their jobs. Be careful to apply at the right moment, as processing your application could take anywhere from 2 to 5 months.

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 international students to work off-campus in a job directly related to their field of study while still enrolled in school. When students undertake CPT, its relevance to their degree comes from it being a required part of their educational program, like a practicum. A student may participate in CPT according to how many hours per week they want: no more than 20 hours as part-time or over 20 hours as full-time. Unlike the other types, CPT gets approval from the university‘s Designated School Official (DSO), without waiting for USCIS approval. But, students cannot get OPT if they participate in CPT for 12 or more months. CPT is available only before completion of the academic program and cannot be used after graduation. Given that CPT depends on your course curriculum, you should already have a job offer before you start the CPT process and your school must complete the paperwork in your SEVIS record.

Who is eligible for OPT and CPT in the USA?

Both OPT and CPT are only available to F-1 students enrolled in a U.S. school full time. Students can only apply for OPT if they have finished at least one academic year at a college or university approved by SEVP. For a STEM OPT extension, the student must be hired by an E-verified employer and have a degree in a STEM-related field. With only a few exceptions for graduate students, CPT requires you to study for at least one year before starting any work. Since the requirements for schools are not the same, you should ask your DSO for guidance. In both cases, the student cannot have broken their F-1 status and has to keep their grades high. Any unauthorized action on your part may result in your OPT or CPT approval being denied.

When to apply for OPT and CPT in the USA ?

You should make sure your application is submitted on time. You may apply for OPT through SEVP until 90 days before or 60 days after your degree program is completed. Due to the time it takes USCIS, students are advised to send in their applications early. You are not allowed to work until your OPT is approved and you have the EAD card in your possession. Your university is responsible for completing the process more quickly for CPT. Usually, you are allowed to start once your DSO updates your SEVIS record, issues another I-20 and provides CPT authorization. If your work is not finished by the end of one semester, you must reapply for CPT. Before you start working, you must get approval for CPT; it cannot be approved after the work starts. Make sure to plan and consult your advisor early to avoid issues with your authorization to work.

Why choose OPT or CPT?

Doing OPT and CPT gives international students real work experience in the U.S., making them appear more qualified for H-1B sponsorship in the future. OPT is sought after due to its year-long work experience which you can extend with STEM OPT. During CPT, students can put their knowledge into practice which can lead to offers of work after they graduate. Students use these programs to use the knowledge they gain in class in American companies. OPT or CPT can greatly support them if they want to get a long-term work visa, for example, the H-1B or an employer-sponsored green card.

How are OPT and CPT different?

While OPT and CPT both give international students the right to work in the U.S., each serves a specific role, lasts for a different period and applies differently. You can either apply for OPT before or after you graduate, but USCIS must consider it, while CPT relies on your curriculum and is approved by your school. You do not need an offer of work for OPT, but CPT does require it. Furthermore, with OPT you can work full-time after finishing your studies, but just part-time through CPT before your graduation. Usually, CPT does not pay, but OPT offers job opportunities that students can get paid for. A significant point to remember is that students are not eligible for OPT if they have been doing 12 months or more of CPT.

What are the recent updates of OPT and CPT?

Changes in OPT and CPT regulations now focus on meeting government requirements, STEM program modifications and making the system more digital. USCIS has made it easier and faster for applicants to apply for OPT online. Employer compliance is getting more attention, as community managers visit these students and review their assigned training plans. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made new guidelines explaining how OPT and CPT are affected by the increase in hybrid and online learning. Since immigration policy often changes, students ought to check updates frequently or reach out to their DSO for the most recent rules that may impact them.

What after OPT or CPT in the USA?

Many students who have done OPT or CPT look to work further in the USA through the H-1B visa, by being sponsored or by applying for a different type of visa. Employers use OPT to assess potential employees from other countries before making a commitment to sponsoring them. Those on STEM OPT are obliged to inform about their job and undergo validation checks every six months. Some individuals may decide to pursue another degree to be able to apply again for CPT or the OPT program. Staying legal and updating your records in SEVIS is necessary for your career success in the United States. OPT and CPT often shape the direction your career takes in another country.

OPT vs CPT Comparison Table:

Feature	OPT	CPT
Full Form	Optional Practical Training	Curricular Practical Training
Application Authority	USCIS	School DSO
Job Offer Required	No	Yes
Eligible Period	Pre/Post-completion	Only Pre-completion
Work Hours	Full-time or Part-time	Full-time or Part-time
Max Duration	12 months (+24 for STEM)	Varies; 12+ months full-time nullifies OPT
Paid/Unpaid	Usually paid	Can be unpaid or credit-based
Employer Restrictions	No specific requirement (except STEM OPT)	Must be tied to curriculum
Approval Timeline	2-5 months (OPT)	A few days to weeks (CPT)

Author’s Takeaway:

It might be difficult to deal with OPT and CPT, but proper planning helps them become integral to your U.S. career. They give you plenty of real-world experience, helping you prepare for a career after school. Thanks to updated policies and new technology, international students now feel more in charge and know precisely what they need to do. Remain informed, talk to your university DSO and keep everything related to immigration well-organized to benefit from these opportunities.

Key Takeaways 

• OPT and CPT are essential work options for F-1 international students in the U.S.
• OPT offers up to 3 years of work experience for STEM graduates.
• CPT must be directly tied to the academic curriculum and requires a job offer.
• Applying on time and complying with all requirements ensures smoother authorization.
• Policy updates continue to modernize application processes and compliance rules.

FAQs