What Is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?
Quick Answer
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is post-graduation work authorization allowing F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months (plus 24 months for STEM). CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorization used during enrollment when the employment is an integral part of the curriculum, such as co-ops, internships, or practicums.
Key Takeaway
Use CPT for internships and co-ops during your studies, and save OPT for after graduation. Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT will disqualify you from post-completion OPT, so plan your work authorization strategy carefully.
What Is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization available to F-1 students that allows them to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study. OPT can be used before graduation (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT), though the vast majority of students use it post-completion.
Post-completion OPT provides up to 12 months of work authorization after completing your degree. Students in designated STEM fields can apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing the total to 36 months. To apply for OPT, you file Form I-765 with USCIS through your DSO, and upon approval, you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
During OPT, you can work for any employer in a position directly related to your major field of study. You are not tied to a specific employer, and you can work full-time or part-time. However, you must report employment changes to your DSO within 10 days and cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment (150 days on STEM OPT).
What Is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work off-campus while still enrolled in school, provided the work is an integral part of their academic program. CPT must be tied to your curriculum—it is typically used for internships, cooperative education programs, practicums, or other work experiences that are required by the curriculum or for which academic credit is given.
CPT is authorized by your DSO and noted on your I-20. Unlike OPT, you do not need to file with USCIS or obtain an EAD card. Your DSO authorizes CPT directly by updating your I-20 with the employer name, dates, and whether the training is part-time (20 hours or fewer per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
To be eligible for CPT, you must have been enrolled in your academic program for at least one full academic year (two semesters or three quarters), unless your program requires immediate participation in curricular training. Graduate students whose programs require immediate practical experience may be eligible for CPT before completing one academic year.
Key Differences Between OPT and CPT
The fundamental difference is timing and purpose. CPT is used during your studies as part of your academic curriculum, while OPT is primarily used after graduation to gain professional experience in your field. CPT requires a direct connection to your coursework—either it must be required for your degree or you must receive academic credit for it. OPT only requires that the employment be in your field of study.
Another critical difference is the application process. CPT is authorized by your DSO and does not require USCIS approval, making it faster to obtain. OPT requires filing Form I-765 with USCIS, paying a filing fee, and waiting for EAD card approval, which can take several months. Planning ahead for OPT is essential to avoid gaps in work authorization.
- CPT: During enrollment, part of curriculum | OPT: After graduation (primarily)
- CPT: Authorized by DSO on I-20 | OPT: Requires USCIS approval and EAD card
- CPT: Employer-specific authorization | OPT: Can work for any employer in field
- CPT: No limit on part-time use | OPT: 12 months (+ 24 months STEM extension)
- CPT: No filing fee | OPT: $410 USCIS filing fee
- CPT: Immediate start after DSO authorization | OPT: 3-5 month processing time
If you use 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for post-completion OPT. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility regardless of duration.
Strategic Considerations
Planning your use of CPT and OPT strategically can maximize your total work authorization in the US. If you need to complete an internship during school, CPT is the appropriate tool. If you plan to work after graduation, protect your OPT eligibility by limiting full-time CPT to fewer than 12 months.
Some students use pre-completion OPT for part-time work during school, but this deducts from the 12-month post-completion OPT period. For this reason, CPT is usually the better choice for during-school employment when it is available. Coordinate with your DSO early to understand your program's CPT options and plan your work authorization timeline across both CPT and OPT.