The CPT Miniseries: How Long Does CPT Last?

For F-1 international students in the United States, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a valuable benefit that allows you to gain real-world work experience while completing your academic program. However, the length of time you spend on CPT, especially if you start in your first semester (Day 1 CPT), can significantly affect your immigration status, future eligibility for OPT, and overall compliance with U.S. regulations.

In this post, we break down how long CPT can last, what limitations apply, and how to use CPT responsibly, particularly in Day 1 CPT programs.

What Does USCIS Say About CPT Duration?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) do not place a hard limit on the total amount of CPT you can use. However, they do warn that:

“If you engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will lose eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same degree level.” – USCIS

That means you can use CPT throughout your entire program, as long as it's an integral part of your curriculum—but you must plan carefully to preserve OPT eligibility if that's part of your career plan.

How Long Can CPT Last in a Day 1 CPT Program?

If you’re starting CPT from the first semester of your program (commonly known as Day 1 CPT), the length of your degree program becomes crucial.

Here’s why: If you're working full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) from the first semester, you could exceed the 12-month limit that would make you ineligible for post-completion OPT. Therefore, you must choose a program that:

• Lasts longer than 12 months if you want to avoid disqualifying yourself from OPT

• Justifies CPT as curricular (required or integral) throughout the program

• Maintains continuous academic engagement to meet F-1 visa requirements

To maintain lawful status, your CPT experience must be directly related to your major and authorized by your school’s DSO as part of an established curriculum.

Important: CPT and OPT Are Connected

Remember, CPT is not a separate visa or immigration status—it’s a training benefit attached to your F-1 student status. USCIS has made it clear that:

• More than 12 months of full-time CPT at the same degree level eliminates your eligibility for OPT

• Part-time CPT (20 hours or fewer/week) does not count toward the 12-month limit

If your goal is to use both CPT during your program and OPT after graduation, be strategic about the duration and type (full-time vs. part-time) of CPT you use.

Summary

CPT can last as long as your academic program—there’s no fixed federal limit. However, using Day 1 CPT requires careful planning.

The safest approach: choose SEVP-approved programs, monitor your CPT hours, and keep employment aligned with your coursework. Always consult your DSO for personalized guidance and make sure your employment is properly authorized and documented.

Explore SEVP-approved universities offering CPT from day 1 at https://www.howellmgmt.com/day1cptuniversities