US student visa work rules: CPT vs OPT and how they are connected

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are work authorisations available to eligible F-1 international students in the US. CPT is generally used during a student’s degree programme, while OPT is usually used before or after graduation. Using CPT does not automatically reduce or cancel OPT eligibility. However, one year of full-time CPT can make a student ineligible for OPT at the same academic level.

What is CPT?

CPT allows F-1 students to take part in practical training linked directly to their academic programme.

It may include:

• Internships
• Cooperative education
• Practicums
• Work-based research
• Other training connected to the student’s major

The training must form an integral part of the curriculum. A university’s designated school official must authorise CPT before the student starts work.

Also Read| What is Curricular Practical Training and what does the latest ICE memo on CPT mean? A guide for F-1 students

CPT may be part-time or full-time. Part-time CPT generally means working up to 20 hours a week, while full-time CPT means working more than 20 hours a week.

What is OPT?

OPT allows eligible F-1 students to work in a job directly related to their major.

Students may use:

• Pre-completion OPT while they are studying
• Post-completion OPT after finishing their degree

Standard OPT is available for up to 12 months at each higher education level. Students who meet the requirements for eligible science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields may apply for a further 24-month STEM OPT extension.

OPT requires an application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and an Employment Authorization Document, commonly called an EAD.

CPT vs OPT: Key differences

When can students use them?

CPT is used during the degree programme and must be connected to a specific course, curriculum requirement or academic arrangement.

OPT can be used before or after graduation. Post-completion OPT is commonly used by students who want to work in the US after completing their degree.

Who authorises them?

The university authorises CPT through the student’s SEVIS record.

USCIS authorises OPT after the student submits an application. The student must receive an EAD before beginning OPT employment.

Also Read| US immigration authorities tighten scrutiny of student work permits; warns colleges over improper CPT approvals

What type of work is allowed?

Both CPT and OPT work must be directly related to the student’s major.

CPT is usually tied to a particular employer, position and period of training. OPT offers broader employment flexibility, but the job must still relate to the student’s field of study.

Is there a fixed duration?

CPT does not have a standard overall time limit. However, the duration depends on the academic programme and the university’s approval.

OPT generally provides up to 12 months of employment authorisation at each education level. Eligible STEM graduates may seek a 24-month extension.

Does CPT affect OPT?

Yes, but only in a specific situation.

A student who completes 12 months or more of full-time CPT becomes ineligible for OPT at that same academic level. The 12 months do not have to be continuous. Separate periods of full-time CPT can be added together.

For example, if a student completes six months of full-time CPT during one semester and another six months later, the student may lose eligibility for OPT at that degree level.

Part-time CPT does not by itself remove OPT eligibility. A student can use part-time CPT and later apply for OPT, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

Does CPT reduce the length of OPT?

No. CPT does not work like a countdown against the 12-month OPT period.

A student who uses four months of part-time CPT, for example, does not lose four months of OPT. The main restriction applies when full-time CPT reaches 12 months or more at the same academic level.

Can students use CPT and OPT at the same time?

CPT and OPT serve different purposes. CPT is connected to the student’s ongoing academic programme, while OPT is generally used for practical training outside the normal course requirements.

A student should not assume that approval for one automatically permits the other. The dates, work, academic status and authorisation conditions must be checked with the university’s designated school official.

What happens if a university pauses CPT applications?

A university’s decision to pause a particular CPT category does not automatically cancel a student’s OPT eligibility.

However, students could face problems if they work without valid CPT authorisation, use CPT for training that is not part of the curriculum, or fail to maintain their F-1 status. Any unauthorised employment can create immigration complications and may affect future applications.

The key point for students

CPT and OPT are separate work authorisations. CPT is mainly for practical training during a degree, while OPT is generally used before or after graduation.

Using CPT does not normally reduce OPT time. The important exception is 12 months or more of full-time CPT, which can eliminate OPT eligibility at the same education level. Students should confirm their work dates and authorisation with their designated school official before accepting employment.