What International Students Should Know About CPT and OPT

CPT and OPT play vital roles in the U.S. immigration framework for F‑1 students offering practical training opportunities tied to academic programs and enabling career-relevant experience. In 2025, these programs are pivotal for skill development and transitioning toward longer-term employment options such as H‑1B visas or permanent residency. This comprehensive guide explores eligibility, application strategies, limits, pitfalls, employer roles, real-world advice, and best planning practices to help international students maximize CPT and OPT potentials.

Understanding CPT and OPT: Definitions & Purpose

CPT: Curricular Practical Training

• Designed for on-campus practical training during the academic program—such as internships or co-ops.

• Must be integral to the curriculum, directly related to the student’s major.

• Approved by the university’s Designated School Official (DSO), who authorizes the CPT and issues a new Form I‑20.

• Can be part-time (≤20 hours) during semesters and full-time (>20 hours) in academic breaks.

• Note: Accumulating 12 months of full-time CPT nullifies eligibility for OPT.

OPT: Optional Practical Training

• Allows students to gain work experience before or after graduation.

• Standard duration is 12 months per degree level—Bachelors, Masters, PhD.

• STEM graduates are eligible for a 24-month extension (total 36 months), if employed by an E‑Verify company.

• Requires filing a Form I‑765 application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and waiting for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

• Work must be directly related to the student’s major and proper employment reporting is mandatory.

CPT vs. OPT: Key Differences

Eligibility Criteria

3.1 For CPT

• Must be in F‑1 status and enrolled for one academic year.

• A job offer directly tied to major and relevant course elements is required.

• Enrollment in a CPT-designated course may be required.

• Formal, written offer letter is essential, detailing job title, duties, employment dates, hours, and location.

3.2 For OPT

• Also requires at least one academic year of F‑1 enrollment.

• Application window: within 60 days of program completion and before I‑20 expiration.

• Requires approval by USCIS and issuance of an EAD before work begins.

• Students must report any employment and personal status changes through SEVIS and their DSO.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for CPT

1. Confirm enrollment in a CPT-supported academic program.

2. Obtain an employer offer letter with full details.

3. Enroll in the required CPT course or course section if required.

4. Submit the CPT request to the international student office.

5. Wait for the updated I‑20 authorizing CPT—work only begins once receipt is confirmed.

Applying for OPT

1. Meet eligibility, including full-year enrollment.

2. DSO recommends OPT on the new I‑20.

3. File Form I‑765, including bio-data, photo, fee, and supporting documents.

4. Use the 90-day early window before completing coursework.

5. Await EAD card, valid from specified start date.

6. Report any job start, end, or personal changes to the DSO.

Program Restrictions and Pitfalls

Pitfalls of CPT

• 12-month limit: A full year of CPT disqualifies future OPT.

• Tracking academic intent: University must confirm the training’s academic necessity.

• On-site restriction: Must physically work at the employer’s U.S. address or specifically approved remote location.

• SEVIS reporting: Failure to update employment or pivot to another employer can lead to violations.

Pitfalls of OPT

• No work until EAD arrives: Unauthorized work prior to official start date is illegal.

• STEM extension compliance: E-Verify and oversight obligations are mandatory for additional 24 months.

• Employment relevance: Working in unrelated fields or not reporting accurately can trigger status violations.

• Travel risks: Traveling during OPT, especially while the extension is pending, may cause re-entry issues.

STEM OPT Extension: How It Works

• Available to qualified STEM degree holders in fields such as engineering, biology, computer science, mathematics.

• Requires employment with an E-Verify registered employer.

• The employer and student must complete a training plan (Form I‑983).

• Students must provide six-month validation reports to their DSO during the extension period.

Fact Sheet: CPT & OPT by the Numbers

• A significant portion of F‑1 students—~130,000 each year—use CPT.

• OPT participation has increased to over 115,000 annually.

• STEM OPT accounts for ~70,000 of those extensions, representing a substantial workforce contribution.

• Top CPT employers in recent years include major tech and research firms, while STEM OPT placements are common in both large and small specialized companies.

Student Insights and Community Experiences

Common student concerns include:

• Timing for CPT and OPT: Delays in processing can disrupt job plans—students are advised to apply early.

• Staying under 12 months full-time CPT: Staying shorter preserves eligibility for OPT.

• Form I‑983 clarity: STEM OPT beneficiaries report difficulties in crafting clear training plans; campus advisors are recommended for support.

Roles of Employers and Universities

Employer Responsibilities

• Provide a detailed offer letter with responsibilities, location, hours, and dates.

• For STEM OPT, employers must be E-Verify enrolled and maintain supervision structures.

University Responsibilities

• Ensure training relevance and academic oversight.

• Maintain accurate SEVIS records for all training periods.

• Educate students regarding application steps and compliance.

Strategic Planning for Career Success

1. Begin early: Map training goals across semesters and after-graduation planning.

2. Reserve CPT only if needed: Save CPT opportunities for credit-bearing experience to avoid using up OPT eligibility.

3. Apply early for OPT: Using the 90-day early submission window reduces risk.

4. Target E-Verify employers: For OPT extension eligibility.

5. Track all employment: Including unpaid or volunteer training tied to major.

6. Understand the bridge: Cap-gap regulations may extend student status into H‑1B periods.

7. Maintain F‑1 status: Avoid gaps in employment authorization and overstay issues.

Policy Updates and 2025 Outlook

• Enhanced USCIS scrutiny around OPT reporting accuracy—with more auditing and warning notices.

• Proposed legislative reexamination of OPT and H‑1B rules may impact future extension eligibility.

• STEM OPT remains in legislative debate but is still in effect under 2025 regulations.

Long-Term Career and Immigration Planning

• Thoughtful CPT and OPT use positions students for employer-sponsored visas like H‑1B.

• STEM OPT recipients often transition into professional roles post-graduation.

• Strategic planning supports longer-term goals such as permanent residency or green card sponsorship.

Comparative Guide: Best Use Cases

Preparing for Real-World Situations

• Start resume and job search early, focusing on positions that offer relevant training.

• Join career and attestation workshops to understand employer responsibilities for STEM training plans.

• Build professional relationships with current CPT supervisors and adapt quickly to workplace demands.

• Stay technologically prepared—understand virtual collaboration tools, especially for hybrid STEM OPT positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can CPT be full-time?

Yes, but full-time CPT exceeding 12 months eliminates future OPT eligibility.

Q2: Can an OPT employer be remote?

Remote work is allowed if the job is relevant and properly recorded.

Q3: What is Cap-Gap?

An interim extension for F‑1 students awaiting H‑1B start date to maintain lawful stay.

Q4: Is volunteering allowed?

Yes, if it’s relevant, unpaid, and approved under CPT work authorization.

Q5: Can one switch from CPT to OPT?

Yes CPT doesn’t block OPT unless full-time CPT exceeds one year.

Conclusion

CPT and OPT remain foundational elements for F‑1 students seeking to build their careers in the United States in 2025. By understanding eligibility, application processes, legal limits, and compliance requirements, international students can maximize educational and professional opportunities while safeguarding their U.S. status. Thoughtful planning, consulting with university advisors, and tracking employment records are essential steps toward long-term success, potentially paving the way from student status to professional careers, H‑1B sponsorship, and beyond.