What Is CPT and OPT? Complete 2025 Guide for F-1 Visa Students

Confused about CPT and OPT as an F-1 visa student? This guide explains everything you need to know about these work authorization options in clear, practical terms.

If you’re studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, you’ve likely encountered two important terms: CPT and OPT. These work authorization options allow international students to gain professional experience legally—either during studies or after graduation.

Understanding CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) is crucial for maximizing your U.S. education investment.

What Is CPT?

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. This work authorization allows F-1 students to gain hands-on experience directly related to their field of study while enrolled in their academic program.

Think of CPT as an internship or training opportunity that’s an integral part of your education, not just a side job.

CPT Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CPT:

✓ Academic Standing: Complete one full academic year (two semesters) before applying. Graduate students in programs requiring immediate practical training may qualify earlier.

✓ Major-Related Work: The position must directly relate to your field of study.

✓ Curriculum Integration: CPT must be either required as part of your curriculum or eligible for academic credit.

✓ Job Offer Required: You must have an official employment offer before applying.

✓ School Approval: Your Designated School Official (DSO) must approve your CPT and update your I-20 form.

CPT Can Be Part-Time or Full-Time

Part-Time CPT: 20 hours or less per week during the academic term
Full-Time CPT: More than 20 hours per week (typically during breaks)

⚠️ CRITICAL: The 12-Month Full-Time CPT Rule

If you work full-time under CPT for 12 months or more (cumulative), you will NOT be eligible for OPT after graduation.

Part-time CPT does not count toward this limit. Many students strategically use part-time CPT during semesters and full-time CPT during breaks to preserve OPT eligibility.

What Is OPT?

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. This program provides work authorization for F-1 students to work in jobs related to their field of study.

Unlike CPT, OPT is primarily used after graduation (post-completion OPT), providing 12 months of full-time work authorization.

How to Apply for OPT

Application Window: Apply 90 days before your program end date up to 60 days after completion.

Processing Time: USCIS processing typically takes 3-5 months (as of 2025). Check current times at uscis.gov/processing-times.

PRO TIP: Apply as early as possible (90 days before graduation) to ensure your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) arrives on time.

OPT Application Steps

Step 1: Meet with your DSO for OPT recommendation and I-20 update

Step 2: Prepare documents:

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Filing fee: $410 (as of 2025)
Copy of I-20 with OPT recommendation
Copy of F-1 visa and I-94 record
Two passport photos
Copy of passport identification page

Step 3: Submit to USCIS lockbox facility

Step 4: Receive your EAD card (required before starting work)

The 90-Day Unemployment Rule

Critical: During your 12-month OPT period, you can only be unemployed for a total of 90 days.

This means throughout your entire OPT period, unemployment days cannot exceed 90 total, not just at the start.

Track your unemployment days carefully. Your DSO can help monitor this through your SEVIS record.

Job Requirements During OPT

Your employment must:

Be related to your field of study
Be at least 20 hours per week
Be with a U.S.-based employer

You can work for multiple employers, be self-employed, or work as an independent contractor during OPT.

STEM OPT Extension: Up to 36 Months Total

If your degree is in a STEM field listed on the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may qualify for an additional 24-month OPT extension.

STEM graduates can work in the U.S. for up to 36 months total (12 months standard + 24 months STEM extension).

STEM OPT Requirements

✓ STEM Degree: Must appear on official DHS list (ice.gov/sevis/stemlist)
✓ E-Verify Employer: Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
✓ Training Plan: Submit Form I-983 with learning objectives
✓ Report Every 6 Months: Submit employment and training progress reports

Apply before your initial 12-month OPT expires, at least 90 days before your end date.

CPT vs OPT: Key Differences

	CPT	OPT
When Used	During studies	After graduation
Duration	Varies (no set limit)	12 months (36 for STEM)
Approved By	School (DSO)	USCIS (federal)
Job Required to Apply?	Yes	No
Application Cost	Free	$410 (2025)
Authorization	Updated I-20	EAD card
Processing Time	Same day to 1 week	3-5 months
Impact	12+ months eliminates OPT	No impact on CPT

Important OPT Rules

Reporting Requirements

Report to USCIS within 10 days:

Change of address
Change of employer
Legal name change
Loss of employment

Report through your DSO to update your SEVIS record.

Travel During OPT

Required for re-entry:

Valid passport
Valid F-1 visa stamp
EAD card
I-20 signed for travel (within 6 months)
Proof of employment

⚠️ Important: If your F-1 visa expired, apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy before returning. Appointment wait times can be several months.

Cap-Gap Extension

If your employer sponsors you for an H-1B visa and your OPT expires before October 1st (H-1B start date), you may qualify for an automatic Cap-Gap extension, preventing work authorization gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as long as full-time CPT doesn’t exceed 12 months. Many students do part-time CPT during studies and full OPT after graduation.

No, but you must find employment within 90 days of OPT starting.

Yes, any U.S. employer, as long as the job relates to your field and is 20+ hours weekly.

You have 90 days total unemployment. Exceeding this means you fall out of legal status.

Yes, if work is 20+ hours weekly and relates to your degree field.

Yes, as many times as needed. Report each change to your DSO within 10 days.

You typically have 60 days from program end to leave the U.S. or change visa status. Consult your DSO immediately.

Yes, if you complete a higher degree level (e.g., Bachelor’s then Master’s).

Final Thoughts

CPT and OPT are real opportunities to transform your education into professional experience and build your international career.

Key Takeaways:

✓ CPT happens during studies (school approval)
✓ OPT happens after graduation (USCIS approval)
✓ Both must relate to your field of study
✓ Preserve OPT eligibility by limiting full-time CPT
✓ Track unemployment days meticulously
✓ Work with your DSO for guidance
✓ Apply early and stay organized

Need Help Navigating CPT and OPT?

At Hospitality Academy, we support international students throughout their entire journey, from admissions and visa applications to CPT placements and OPT career launches.

Our services include: