CPT vs. OPT?

Want to know the difference between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

OPT vs. CPT
QuestionCPTOPT
Who approves this work authorization?ISSUSCIS
What are the eligibility requirements?
 

At the time of your application, you:

  • Are in F-1 status
  • Are a degree-seeking student
    • Have studied at a U.S. college or university for at least 1 academic year
  • Have received a job/internship offer to do work in your major
     

At the time of your application, you:

  • Are in F-1 status
  • Are a degree-seeking student or recently graduated
  • Have studied at a U.S. college or university for at least 1 academic year
Do I need this authorization to work on-campus?

The work is full-time (more than 20 hours/week) during the fall or spring semester:

  • YES but only allowed for advanced graduate students

The work is part-time (20 hours/week or less) during the fall or spring semester:

  • NO

The work is before your date of degree completion:

  • NO

The work is after your date of degree completion:

  • YES
Do I need this authorization to work off-campus?

The work is before your date of degree completion:

  • YES

The work is before your date of degree completion:

  • NO
Do I need authorization BEFORE I begin working?Yes. ISS authorization is a new I-20. You must have this I-20 in order to work.Yes. USCIS will send you a special card. You must have this card to work.
What does the work authorization look like?ISS issues you a new I-20. Page 2 states the work details (name and address of employer, dates of employment).USCIS issues you a card, commonly called an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card or OPT card.
How much does it cost?There is no fee, but most CPT authorizations require you to enroll in a minimum of 1 course credit (Internship Reflection, CPT course, Independent Study, Directed Study, etc.).The USCIS fee is $410.
How long does it take to receive the authorization?

After you submit your CPT Request your Academic Advisor must review and respond. ISS takes up to 7 business days to issue you the I-20 with our CPT authorization on it.

Once you have a job offer, you should allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks to submit your CPT

Request in ISS and pick up the I-20 with CPT authorization from ISS.
 

USCIS is currently taking 3 to 5 months to process OPT applications.
How can I get a Social Security Number?

Take the following to the Social Security office:
Passport

  • I-94 record (print from cbp.gov/i94)
  • I-20 with CPT authorization
  • Job offer letter

Take the following to the Social Security office:
Passport

  • I-94 record (print from cbp.gov/i94)
  • I-20 with CPT authorization
  • Job offer letter
Can I use this work authorization before I graduate?Yes

Yes, but ISS recommends F-1 students use CPT for work authorization prior to completion of your degree.

You are allowed 12 months of OPT per degree level. You may use a percentage of it before graduation, but it is deducted from the 12 month total.

Can I use this work authorization after I graduate?NoYes
What is the process to apply for this work authorization?
  1. Take and complete the ISS CPT Online Workshop. Save and print the Completion Certificate email.
  2. Meet your Academic Advisor to discuss work opportunity
  3. Pick up your new I-20 with CPT authorization
     
  • Take and complete the ISS OPT Online Workshop. Save and print the Completion Certificate email.
  • Meet your Academic Advisor to verify your date of degree completion
  • Fill out and submit the OPT Request.
  • Collect all OPT application documents and copies
  • Pick up your new I-20 with OPT recommendation
  • Send OPT application documents to USCIS
  • Receive your EAD from USCIS
     
Do I need a specific job offer before I apply for this work authorization?

Yes, a job/internship/co-op offer is required.

CPT authorization is specific to an employer and for specific start and end dates.

No. You can apply for OPT before you receive a job offer.
What is the maximum amount of authorization I may have?

Part-time: Unlimited

Full-time: 12 months. If you reach 12 months of full-time CPT, you will not be able to do OPT at this degree level.

12 months per degree level (bachelor's, master's, doctorate) and an additional 24 months for STEM graduates