Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are the two primary temporary work authorization programs available to F-1 international students pursuing academic degrees in the United States. These programs provide a pathway for students to gain hands-on, real-world experience directly related to their field of study. Both CPT and OPT are benefits of the F-1 student status, allowing for practical application of knowledge acquired during academic enrollment. Understanding the distinct purpose, requirements, and limitations of each program is paramount for maintaining F-1 status and maximizing professional development opportunities.
Understanding Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training is a work authorization specifically designed to be an integral part of an established curriculum. This training is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring schools through cooperative agreements with employers. The defining characteristic of CPT is that the practical experience must be a mandatory component of the student’s program of study or, if not mandatory, must grant academic credit for completion.
Authorization for CPT is granted directly by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the student’s academic institution, meaning it does not require approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO records the approval in the student’s SEVIS record and issues a new Form I-20 that specifically reflects the authorized employment details. This process ensures that the training is directly linked to the student’s major area of study.
CPT Eligibility and Usage Rules
To be eligible for CPT, an F-1 student must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year, which typically means two consecutive semesters. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs mandate immediate participation in practical training from the first semester. The employment opportunity must be clearly and directly related to the student’s major course of study as listed on their Form I-20.
CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time CPT limits the student to working 20 hours or less per week, and its usage does not impact future eligibility for OPT. Full-time CPT allows for more than 20 hours of work per week, typically during academic breaks or while simultaneously enrolled in a thesis or dissertation course. Crucially, using 12 months or more of full-time CPT completely eliminates a student’s eligibility to apply for Optional Practical Training at that same degree level.
Understanding Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training is a separate form of temporary employment authorization that permits F-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study. Unlike CPT, OPT is generally utilized after a student has completed all degree requirements, although a pre-completion option exists. The main purpose of OPT is to provide a period of employment to apply the academic theory learned in the classroom to a professional setting.
The authorization process for OPT requires an application and approval from USCIS. Following a recommendation from the DSO, the student must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. If approved, USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), which serves as the official work permit.
OPT Eligibility and Timing
Eligibility for standard 12-month OPT requires the F-1 student to have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. The student is entitled to 12 months of OPT per higher degree level, such as 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree. The employment secured during this period must be a direct application of the knowledge gained in the degree program.
There are two distinct types of OPT: Pre-Completion and Post-Completion. Pre-Completion OPT is used before the student’s program end date, and any time used at this stage reduces the available time for Post-Completion OPT. Post-Completion OPT is used after the student completes their studies and is the most common form. While on OPT, the student must continue to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant status, including reporting requirements and adherence to strict unemployment limits.
The STEM OPT Extension
The STEM OPT Extension provides a significant benefit for students who have earned a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field. This extension allows eligible students to extend their Post-Completion OPT for an additional 24 months, resulting in a total of 36 months of work authorization. The degree must be listed on the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program List (DHS STEM List).
Applying for this extension involves strict requirements designed to ensure the training is substantive and monitored. The student must be employed by an employer who is registered and in good standing with the E-Verify program. Furthermore, the student and employer must complete and submit a formal Training Plan, known as Form I-983, which outlines the learning objectives, supervision, and performance evaluation. This plan is a formal commitment that the extension will provide a genuine training opportunity.
Key Differences Between CPT and OPT
The fundamental distinctions between CPT and OPT are centered on authorization, timing, and academic requirement.
The source of authorization is a primary difference, with CPT being authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the school, while OPT requires approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This means CPT authorization is generally quicker and granted through an updated Form I-20, whereas OPT requires the lengthy process of obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
CPT is designed to be used during the course of study, serving as an integrated part of the curriculum, such as an internship taken for credit. Conversely, OPT is generally used after the completion of all degree requirements to gain post-graduation work experience.
Finally, the use of 12 months or more of full-time CPT at a given degree level completely removes the student’s eligibility for OPT at that same level.
The Application Process and Maintaining Status
Application Process
The application process for both programs begins with the Designated School Official (DSO) at the student’s school. For CPT, the DSO reviews the employment offer and the academic requirement, updates the student’s SEVIS record, and issues an endorsed Form I-20 indicating the approved CPT details. The student may commence work only after receiving this I-20 endorsement.
For OPT, the process is more extensive. The student first requests a recommendation from their DSO, who then updates the SEVIS record and issues an OPT-recommended Form I-20. The student must then file the Form I-765, along with the required fee and supporting documents, to USCIS. Work cannot begin until USCIS approves the application and the student is in possession of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
Maintaining F-1 Status
Maintaining F-1 status while on work authorization requires strict adherence to reporting and employment rules. Students on Post-Completion OPT are subject to a cumulative unemployment limit of 90 days. Students on the STEM OPT Extension receive an additional 60 days, raising the total unemployment limit to 150 days over the entire 36-month period. All F-1 students on OPT must report any change in their name, address, or employer information to the DSO within 10 days of the change. Failure to comply with these limits and reporting mandates can result in the termination of the student’s F-1 status.