CPT vs OPT: Meaning, Major Differences, How to Apply & Benefits

Here’s a clear comparison between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students, highlighting key differences in purpose, timing, and eligibility:

Duration: Up to 12 months of full-time employment

Curricular Practical Training or CPT is permission for F-1 students to work in the US as part of their course. The job must relate to your main subject and be approved by your school’s Designated School Official (DSO). 

CPT can be part-time or full-time, and the duration depends on your course and training plan. 

NOTE:- If you use 12 months of full-time CPT, you cannot apply for OPT later.

Features of CPT

Here are the main features of Curricular Practical Training:

• Course-linked work: CPT applies only to jobs that are part of your degree and directly related to your main subject.
• Authorisation by DSO: You must get approval from your school’s Designated School Official before you start working.
• Part-time or full-time: You can work up to 20 hours per week part-time or more than 20 hours per week full-time.
• Paid or unpaid: CPT can be a paid job or unpaid training, depending on the employer and program.
• Specific employer and dates: CPT is granted for one employer and fixed start and end dates.
• Multiple CPT periods: You can have more than one CPT authorisation during your studies, as long as you stay within the limits.

Eligibility for CPT

Here are the main requirements to qualify for CPT: 

• Valid F-1 visa: You must be studying in the US on an active F-1 visa.
• One year of full-time study: You must complete at least one full academic year before CPT, unless your course requires earlier training.
• Active enrolment: You must be enrolled in your program when doing CPT.
• Job relevance: The work must directly relate to your degree subject.
• Program requirement or credit: The job must be required by your course or offer academic credit.
• School approval: Your Designated School Official must approve your CPT and record it in SEVIS.
• Job offer in hand: You must have a confirmed job offer before applying for CPT.

Documents Required for CPT

Here are the key documents you need for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• Valid passport and F-1 visa: Both must be valid for your full CPT period.
• Updated Form I-20: Endorsed by your Designated School Official with CPT details, including employer name, start and end dates, and work hours.
• Job offer letter: On company letterhead, with job title, duties, location, dates, and weekly hours.
• Academic recommendation: Needed in some universities from your course advisor or faculty.
• University CPT application form: Filled and submitted as per your school’s process.
• Unofficial transcript: Shows you are enrolled in a CPT-eligible course and have completed the required study period.
• Additional requirements: Some schools may ask for an I-94 record, CPT workshop completion proof, or an employer agreement.

Tip: Requirements can change by university. Always confirm the exact list with your DSO before applying.

How to Apply for CPT?

You need official authorisation from your university and your DSO to work in the US under CPT. You must apply for CPT and get it approved before starting any work. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Check eligibility: Meet with your academic advisor to confirm the job or internship fits your program. Talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm CPT rules for your university.
• Step 2: Get a job offer: Find a role related to your degree. Ask for a job offer letter with employer details, job title, duties, start and end dates, and weekly hours.
• Step 3: Complete your CPT application: Fill out your university’s CPT application form. Attach required documents such as your job offer letter, passport copy, I-20, and transcript. Get signatures from your advisor or DSO as needed.
• Step 4: Submit and wait for approval: Submit the application to your university’s International Student Services office. Wait for processing, which usually takes a few days: Receive your updated I-20 with CPT authorization and exact work dates. 
• Step 5: Start working: Check your updated I-20 for correct details. Begin work only after you get the CPT authorization on your I-20.

Guidelines and Restrictions for CPT

Here are the main rules you must follow when working under CPT: 

• Valid F-1 status: You must have a valid F-1 visa and maintain full-time student status.
• Study requirement: Most students need to complete one full academic year before starting CPT. Some graduate programs may allow earlier CPT if the internship is part of the curriculum.
• Direct program link: The job must be related to your major and offer academic credit or meet a course requirement.
• Job offer before applying: You need a confirmed offer before requesting CPT approval.
• DSO authorization: Your Designated School Official must approve the CPT and update your I-20 with all job details.
• Work hours: For full-time, it is more than 20 hours per week, up to 12 months.
• Time limit: Over 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.
• Employer-specific: You can only work for the employer listed on your CPT approval. A change requires a new authorization.
• Labor law compliance: All work must follow U.S. labor laws for wages, hours, and workplace safety.
• End date: You must stop working on or before the date listed on your I-20.
• Travel: You can travel internationally while on CPT, but you must carry the right documents for re-entry.

Duration: 12 months per degree level

Optional Practical Training, often referred to as OPT, is a work authorization program for international students on an F-1 visa in the USA. It allows them to work in a job related to their field of study for up to 12 months per degree level. 

Students can use OPT before or after graduation, but most choose post-completion OPT to gain full-time work experience. STEM graduates may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension.

Features of OPT

These are the most important features of OPT for international students on an F-1 visa: 

• Post-graduation work option: Most students use OPT after finishing their degree to gain full-time work experience in the US.
• Part-time or full-time: Students can work up to 20 hours a week (part-time) or more than 20 hours a week (full-time).
• Direct link to field of study: The job must be closely related to the student’s academic major.
• No job offer needed at application: You can apply for OPT without having an employer lined up.
• Paid or unpaid roles: OPT can be used for paid positions, internships, or volunteer roles.
• Flexible timing: OPT can be used before completing your degree (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
• USCIS approval required: You must apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
• Application fee: OPT applications have a set filing fee, which you must pay when applying.

Eligibility for OPT

Check these OPT eligibility rules first to know if you qualify for it: 

• Valid F-1 Status: You must maintain a valid F-1 status when you apply.
• Full-Time Enrollment: You must have studied full-time for at least one full academic year before your program ends.
• Directly Related Work: The job must match your major or field of study.
• No Previous OPT at Same Level: You cannot have already used OPT for the same degree level.
• No Excessive CPT Use: You cannot have completed 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the same degree level.
• Apply Within the Time Window: Apply up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after.
• Physical Presence: You must be inside the U.S. when you submit your application.

Note: You do not need a job offer to apply. Work can be paid or unpaid. You can hold more than one job, but all must relate to your major. STEM graduates may apply for a 24-month extension. You must report changes in your personal or job details to your DSO within 10 days.

Documents Required for OPT

Here’s a detailed checklist of what documents you’ll need when applying for OPT:

• Form I-765: The official Employment Authorization application form.
• OPT Recommendation I-20: Issued and signed by your Designated School Official (DSO), confirming your school’s approval for OPT.
• Valid Passport: Must be current and government-issued.
• Most Recent I-94 Record: Shows your legal entry and current status in the U.S.
• Two Passport-Style Photos: Recent, meeting USCIS size and format requirements.
• Previous EADs (if any): Copies of any Employment Authorization Documents issued to you before.
• Application Fee: USD 185 (INR 15,500) payable to USCIS by check, money order, or online payment.
• Additional for STEM OPT Extension: Copy of your STEM degree and employer’s E-Verify information, if applying for the 24-month extension.

How to Apply for OPT?

Applying for OPT is a multi-step process that begins with your school’s approval and ends with USCIS granting you work authorisation.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the OPT application at each stage:

• Step 1: Check Your Eligibility: You must be in a valid F-1 status for at least one full academic year. The job you plan to do under OPT must be directly related to your major. Apply no earlier than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after.
• Step 2: Request OPT Recommendation from Your DSO: Contact your university’s International Student Office. Complete any required forms, quizzes, or orientations. Your DSO will update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
• Step 3: Prepare Your OPT Application: Your OPT application must include Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), the OPT-recommended I-20 issued by your DSO, two passport-style photos that meet USCIS requirements, a copy of your passport’s biographical page, your most recent I-94 record, copies of any previous EAD cards (if applicable), and the application fee of USD 185 (approximately INR 15,500), along with Form G-1145 if you wish to receive e-notification updates.
• Step 4: Submit Your Application to USCIS: Online is recommended for faster confirmation. It can be done by mail, you can send to the USCIS Lockbox facility based on your state. Ensure USCIS receives it within 30 days of your DSO issuing the OPT I-20.
• Step 5: Track Your Application: USCIS will send you a receipt notice. Check your case status online using the receipt number. Processing times vary, so keep an eye on USCIS updates.
• Step 6: After Approval, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. You may only start working on or after the EAD start date. Report any change in address or employment to your DSO within 10 days.

Guidelines and Restrictions for OPT

OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to gain work experience, but it comes with specific rules you must follow to accommodate with U.S. immigration regulations: 

• Eligibility: You must be in a valid F-1 status, enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, and your job must be directly related to your major. You cannot have used 12+ months of full-time CPT at the same degree level.
• Types of OPT: Pre-completion OPT for part-time during semesters or full-time during breaks. Post-completion OPT for at least 20 hours per week after graduation. STEM OPT extension for 24 months for eligible STEM degree holders.
• Application process: Request a recommendation from your DSO, file Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days, and wait for your EAD card before starting work.
• Reporting requirements: Update your DSO within 10 days of any changes to your name, address, or employment details. STEM OPT students must also submit periodic evaluations and update their I-983 training plan.
• Unemployment limits: Maximum of 90 days without work during post-completion OPT, or 150 days total for STEM OPT (including the initial 90 days).
• Travel rules: Travel is allowed, but you must carry your EAD, a valid F-1 visa, updated I-20, and proof of employment. Leaving and re-entering on a different visa status cancels OPT.

Duration: 24-month extension to the standard 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.

The STEM OPT extension is an extra work permission for F-1 students who have finished a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. It lets graduates work in their field for up to two more years after their first 12-month OPT, adding up to a total of 36 months of work experience. This extension helps STEM graduates get more practical experience in U.S. jobs while following some employer and reporting rules.

Features of STEM OPT Extension

These are the most important features of the 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible F-1 students:

• Additional work authorization: Extends your post-completion OPT by 24 months, allowing up to 36 months of total work in the U.S.
• STEM-specific: Available only to graduates in eligible Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics programs listed by DHS.
• E-Verify requirement: Your employer must be enrolled in and compliant with the federal E-Verify program.
• Formal training plan: Employers must complete and follow a detailed Form I-983 to support your professional development.
• Continuous employment: You cannot exceed the unemployment limit (150 days combined from OPT + STEM OPT period).
• USCIS application: Must apply before your initial 12-month OPT expires, including all required forms, fees, and documents.
• Regular reporting: You must update your DSO with any changes to employment, address, or training plan within 10 days.
• Evaluation milestones: You’re required to submit self-evaluations at 12 months and at the end of your extension period.

Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Valid OPT status: You must currently be in an active period of post-completion OPT and not in the 60-day grace period.
• STEM degree requirement: You should hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in an eligible STEM field from a U.S. school accredited by a recognized agency and certified by SEVP.
• Use of prior STEM degree: In some cases, a previously earned STEM degree from a U.S. institution may be used to apply, if it meets DHS criteria.
• Employment conditions: You must have a job offer from an employer registered in the E-Verify system, with work directly related to your STEM major.
• Work hours: The position must be at least 20 hours per week.
• Employer-employee relationship: Your employer must provide structured training and mentorship as outlined in Form I-983.
• Application filing: You must submit Form I-765 with supporting documents while physically in the U.S., before your current OPT period ends.
• Ongoing compliance: You are required to report changes to employment or personal details to your DSO within 10 days and follow all USCIS reporting rules during the extension.

Documents Required for STEM OPT Extension

Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll typically need when applying for a STEM OPT extension:

• Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization, completed and signed.
• STEM OPT-endorsed Form I-20: Issued and signed by your DSO within the last 60 days.
• Form I-983: Official training plan completed by you and your E-Verify employer.
• Proof of STEM degree: Copy of diploma, transcript, or other official evidence of your qualifying STEM degree.
• Passport and F-1 visa copies: Biographical page of your passport and current F-1 visa page (if applicable).
• I-94 record: Latest arrival/departure record, which can be downloaded from the CBP website.
• Previous EAD cards: Copies of any Employment Authorization Documents you have received before.
• Two passport-style photos: As per USCIS specifications.
• Application fee: USD 185 (approx. INR 15,500), payable to USCIS via check, money order, or online payment.
• Employer E-Verify details: Employer’s name in E-Verify and their company identification number.

How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension?

Follow these steps to apply for your STEM OPT extension and secure an additional 24 months of work authorization in your field:

• Step 1: Request STEM OPT Recommendation from DSO: Contact your Designated School Official to get a new I-20 with STEM OPT endorsement. Complete Form I-983 with your employer and submit it to your DSO.
• Step 2: Prepare Application Documents: Gather your STEM-endorsed I-20, completed Form I-765, passport and visa copies, I-94 record, previous EAD cards (if any), passport photos, and employer E-Verify details.
• Step 3: Submit Application to USCIS: File your application online or by mail before your current OPT expires, including all required documents.
• Step 4: Pay the Application Fee: USD 185 (approx. INR 15,500) payable via check, money order, or online payment.
• Step 5: Wait for USCIS Decision: Track your application status online and wait for approval before beginning work under the STEM OPT extension.

Guidelines and Restrictions for STEM OPT Extension

Here are the key guidelines and restrictions for F-1 students applying for the STEM OPT extension, helping you stay compliant and maintain your work authorisation:

• Eligibility Maintenance: You must remain in a valid F-1 status and maintain employment with an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to your STEM degree.
• Employment Hours: Work must be at least 20 hours per week, and you must have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with proper training and supervision.
• Reporting Requirements: Report any changes in employment, personal information, or address to your Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days. STEM OPT students must also submit periodic self-evaluations and updates to Form I-983.
• Application Timing: Submit your STEM OPT extension application up to 90 days before your current OPT expires; late applications can result in a gap in work authorization.
• Unemployment Limits: STEM OPT allows a maximum of 150 days of unemployment, including the 90 days from the initial OPT period. Exceeding this may lead to the termination of the SEVIS record.
• Travel Restrictions: Travel outside the U.S. during STEM OPT is possible, but you must carry your STEM-endorsed I-20, valid F-1 visa, passport, and EAD card. Re-entry without proper documentation can void your work authorization.
• Employer Compliance: Employers must follow all labor laws, participate in E-Verify, and adhere to the training plan outlined in Form I-983.
• Grace Period: You retain a 60-day grace period after the STEM OPT end date to prepare for departure, change status, or start a new program of study.

Here’s a comparison of how OPT and CPT affect F-1 visa rules, including work authorization, travel, and compliance requirements:

Navigating work opportunities in the U.S. as an F-1 student can be tricky when choosing between CPT and OPT or planning a STEM OPT extension. Many students get confused about eligibility, timelines, and documents, which can delay applications. Start early, consult your DSO ahead of time, and keep your paperwork organised to make the most of your practical training.

Yocket Premium can simplify this process by helping you track CPT and OPT timelines, check document requirements, and access expert insights. With step-by-step application guidance and tips from students who’ve been through it, Yocket Premium makes planning your work experience easier and less stressful.