The CPT Miniseries: How CPT and OPT Work Together

International students on F-1 visas often ask: “Can I use both CPT and OPT?” The answer is yes—if you understand the rules and plan carefully. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are both forms of work authorization for F-1 students, but they serve different purposes and are governed by different policies.

This post explains how CPT and OPT relate to each other, how they’re different, and how to make the most of both opportunities without putting your immigration status at risk.

CPT and OPT Defined (Quick Recap)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Authorized by your Designated School Official (DSO) and occurs before program completion. Must be an integral part of your academic program and tied to a course. You need a job offer before CPT is approved.

Optional Practical Training (OPT): Authorized by USCIS, not your school. Can be used before or after you complete your program, and must relate to your major. Requires filing Form I-765 and waiting for approval.

Can You Use Both CPT and OPT?

Yes. According to USCIS, using CPT does not automatically disqualify you from OPT. However, there is one important restriction:

“If you engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are not eligible for post-completion OPT at that same educational level.” – USCIS

So, if you want to use OPT after graduation, be cautious with how much full-time CPT you use.

Part-time CPT (20 hours/week or less) does not affect OPT eligibility.

When to Use CPT vs. OPT

Type	Use During	Who Approves	Job Offer Required	Key Restrictions
CPT	Before the program ends	Your DSO (school)	Yes	Must be integral or credit-bearing
OPT (Pre-Completion)	Before the program ends	USCIS	No (to apply)	Uses part of your 12-month OPT time
OPT (Post-Completion)	After graduation	USCIS	No (to apply)	Max 12 months; can be extended for STEM

Strategy Tips for Using CPT and OPT Wisely

1. Limit Full-Time CPT if You Want OPT Later

Avoid exceeding 11 months of full-time CPT if you plan to apply for post-completion OPT.

2. Use CPT for Course-Embedded Internships

Take advantage of CPT during school terms if your program includes internships or practicum experiences. This helps build experience without using up your OPT time.

3. Use Pre-Completion OPT Carefully

If you use pre-completion OPT, that time is deducted from your post-completion OPT. For example, if you work 6 months before graduation, you’ll only have 6 months left after.

If you’re enrolled in a program with integral CPT—meaning practical training is embedded in your curriculum and required from the beginning—using pre-completion OPT likely does not make sense.

Here’s why:

• CPT is designed for internships that are built into your degree program, and authorization is handled by your school’s DSO.

• Pre-completion OPT, by contrast, requires USCIS approval, can take months to process, and pulls from the 12-month limit you’d otherwise use for post-completion OPT.

• If your program already supports work-based learning through CPT, using OPT early wastes valuable time that could be better spent after graduation.

Bottom line: If your program includes integral CPT, use CPT—not pre-completion OPT—for work during your studies.

4. Leverage the STEM OPT Extension (if eligible)

If your degree qualifies as a STEM major, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to see if your major qualifies.

Real-World Example

Sofia, an F-1 master’s student in data analytics, completes:

• 13 months of part-time CPT (20 hours or less/week)

• 11 months of full-time CPT

• Applies for post-completion OPT

• Still eligible, because she used less than 12 months of full-time CPT

If Sofia had worked 12+ months of full-time CPT, she would not be allowed to apply for OPT at this level.

Key Takeaways

• CPT and OPT are separate work authorizations, but they affect each other.

• You can use both, but 12+ months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT.

• Plan your internships and work experiences with long-term goals in mind—especially if you’re considering H-1B or future permanent residency.

• Talk with your DSO before making any decisions related to CPT or OPT.

Summary

Both CPT and OPT provide valuable opportunities to gain U.S. work experience as an international student. But they’re governed by different rules and time limits. Understanding how they interact will help you avoid unintended consequences, like losing OPT eligibility, and allow you to build a strong foundation for your career.

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