What is CPT vs OPT in F1 Visa? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa, chances are you’ve come across the terms CPT and OPT. These two options allow international students to gain real-world work experience, but each comes with its own rules, timelines, and benefits. Let’s break down CPT vs OPT, so you can decide what’s best for your career journey.

What is CPT (Curricular Practical Training)?

CPT is a temporary work authorization granted to F1 visa holders for employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. It allows students to gain practical experience related to their field of study while still enrolled in a degree program.

• It must be part of your curriculum or academic program.
• CPT can be for part-time (20 hours/week) or full-time jobs (over 20 hours/week).
• CPT requires an internship/job offer before application.
• CPT is uthorized by your university’s Designated School Official (DSO), not USCIS.

What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?

OPT is a post-completion or pre-completion work authorization for F1 students to work in the U.S. in a job related to their major field of study. Unlike CPT, OPT is often used after graduation.

• Available for up to 12 months (24 more for STEM majors via STEM OPT Extension).
• Requires approval from USCIS.
• Can be used during or after your degree.
• Doesn’t need a job offer at the time of application (for post-completion OPT)

Explore the Highest Paying Jobs in the USA.

CPT vs OPT: Quick Comparison Table

Feature	CPT	OPT
Purpose	Work as part of curriculum	Optional work related to field
Approval by	University (DSO)	USCIS
Duration	No specific cap, but 12+ months of full-time CPT removes OPT eligibility	12 months (24 months STEM extension)
Timing	During course	During or after course completion
Job Offer	Required before applying	Not required (for post-completion)
Visa Impact	Doesn’t count toward H-1B cap	May lead to H-1B if employed

CPT and OPT validity

• CPT Validity: The duration of CPT depends on your program. It ends when your course ends or after 12 months of full-time CPT.
• OPT Validity: The OPT is generally valid for 12 months. STEM OPT gives a 24-month extension, totaling 36 months.

OPT vs CPT: Benefits

OPT	CPT
Work post-graduation.	Gain early real-world experience.
More flexible: no job offer needed initially.	Get paid while studying.
Opens pathways to H-1B sponsorship.	Builds a stronger resume.
STEM OPT gives long-term experience.	Learn U.S. workplace culture.

Explore the USA Work Permit Visas.

OPT vs CPT: Disadvantages

OPT	CPT
USCIS processing delays can affect timelines.	Limited to your academic program timeline.
OPT start date can’t be changed once selected.	Full-time CPT for 12+ months removes your OPT eligibility.
Risk of rejection if paperwork isn’t strong.	Requires a job offer upfront.

Transition from Cpt to opt

Many international students start with CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during their studies to gain real-world experience related to their course. It’s like doing internships or part-time jobs while still in school. Then, after graduation, they move on to OPT (Optional Practical Training)—which lets them work full-time in the U.S. for up to a year (or even three years if they’re in a STEM field).

Using both CPT and OPT smartly can really boost your resume, help you build industry connections, and even open doors for long-term job offers or H-1B sponsorships. It’s one of the most practical ways to transition from a student to a professional in the U.S.

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