CPT vs OPT: What are the differences?

Many international students wonder if they can engage in both Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) while studying in the United States. Let's explore this topic to offer clarity.

Understanding CPT and OPT

Before addressing the possibility of combining CPT and OPT, it's crucial to grasp the distinctions between these two programs:

• CPT (Curricular Practical Training): CPT is a work authorization that permits international students to acquire practical work experience directly related to their field of study as part of their academic program. It can be pursued during the student's academic program and necessitates approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS and is documented on the student’s I-20 — you do not file with USCIS for CPT.

• OPT (Optional Practical Training): In contrast, OPT is a work authorization available to F-1 students — usually used after program completion (post-completion OPT) but can also be used pre-completion in limited ways. Students apply for OPT by filing Form I-765 with USCIS after getting an OPT recommendation from their DSO/I-20. It enables students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 24 months for specific STEM degrees) and requires submission to USCIS for validation.

Is It Possible to Engage in Both CPT and OPT?

The concise answer is yes, under specific conditions, a student can partake in both CPT and OPT during their academic journey in the United States. Nonetheless, it's crucial to take the following into account:

1. CPT During the Academic Program: International students can participate in CPT during their academic program, provided it forms an essential part of their curriculum and is directly relevant to their field of study. The employment must be authorized by the DSO, and the student must uphold F-1 status.

2. OPT After Completing the Academic Program: Upon finishing their academic program, international students can apply for OPT to gain additional practical work experience in their field of study. OPT necessitates approval from USCIS and must be completed within specified timelines and regulations.

3. Timing and Duration: International students should carefully plan the timing and duration of both CPT and OPT to ensure compliance with regulations and optimize their chances for practical work experience while maintaining F-1 status. For students to be eligible for OPT they must limit their full-time CPT to less than 12 months.

   
   

   Important: 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the same degree level eliminates post-completion OPT eligibility at that level — plan CPT and OPT use with your DSO to avoid unintentionally losing OPT.

   
   

4. STEM OPT Extension: Students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields have the option to request a 24-month STEM OPT extension after concluding the initial 12-month OPT period.

   
   

OPT Eligibility and Rules

• Degree level: Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT per educational level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral). If you complete a higher degree later, you can get another 12-month period at the higher level.

• STEM OPT: Eligible STEM graduates may apply for an additional 24-month STEM extension. STEM extension eligibility requires the employer to meet program requirements, such as being enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS has issued policy updates and alerts about STEM OPT that schools and employers should monitor.

OPT Application Process

1. Get the OPT recommendation on your I-20 from your DSO: You must first receive the DSO recommendation in SEVIS and get a new I-20 showing that recommendation before filing with USCIS.

2. When to file Form I-765 (Employment Authorization): USCIS accepts OPT applications as early as 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date — and USCIS must receive the application within any school-set 30-day window from the I-20 issuance (many schools require you to file Form I-765 within 30 days of the DSO’s I-20 recommendation). If USCIS receives the I-765 after the filing window (or after the allowable 60 days), it will be denied. You must be physically in the U.S. to file the I-765.

3. Wait for the EAD (Employment Authorization Document): You may not begin employment until you have received the EAD card and the OPT start date on the card has arrived. USCIS processing times vary and can take several months; apply as early as permitted to avoid gaps.

4. Post-completion unemployment limits: Students on post-completion OPT have a limited number of allowable unemployment days (commonly 90 days for standard OPT; STEM extension rules provide extra allowable unemployment days). Track these limits carefully.

Practical planning tips (to avoid losing OPT)

• Avoid accumulating 12+ months of full-time CPT at the same degree level unless you are certain you will not need post-completion OPT. Full-time CPT of 12 months or more will remove your OPT eligibility.

• Work with your DSO early. For OPT, students must have the DSO recommendation in SEVIS before filing with USCIS, and many schools require the Form I-765 to be filed within 30 days of the I-20 issuance — so leave time for school processing.

• You must be in the U.S. to file Form I-765 for OPT. If you leave the U.S. after filing but before approval, consult your international office — returning while the application is pending carries risk if you don’t yet have an EAD or a valid travel signature.

Understanding the differences between CPT and OPT is essential for every international student planning to gain work experience in the U.S. While both offer valuable opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, each comes with unique eligibility rules, timelines, and application steps. Staying informed — and coordinating early with your Designated School Official (DSO) — ensures you can make the most of your practical training options without jeopardizing future benefits. If you’re exploring Universities that offer CPT from Day 1 of the program, Howell Management Services (HMS) can connect you with accredited institutions offering compliant, career-focused pathways for international students.