1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • Success Stories
  • TOEFL Testing

What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

Aug 20, 2020

One of the most commonly asked questions by international students is, Can I Work in the USA While Studying? Fortunately, the answer is yes, but with some limitations. International students are allowed to work off-campus after completing their first academic year through specific programs. Two of those programs are Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa in the United States to work up to 12 months in relation to their major of study. F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT after completing their first academic year. OPT can be completed both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are only allowed to work 12 months total.

International students with an F-1 visa who have completed degrees in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are eligible for a 17-month extension for post-graduation completion of OPT employment. Beginning May 10th, 2016 students may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-graduation OPT employment. This will replace the 17-month extension.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical experience directly related to their major through employment, paid or unpaid internships, or cooperative (co-op) education. It must be part of an established curriculum. CPT must be completed before graduating. In addition, CPT can be part-time (20 hours or less a week) or full time (20 hours or more a week). Although, if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT.

What’s the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

The major difference between OPT and CPT is the time period in which you are eligible for these programs and the type of work allowed in each program. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, while CPT must be completed before graduation. CPT employment is part of your major curriculum that allows students to work in a paid or unpaid internship, practicum, or cooperative (co-op) education program. CPT must be required by your major and if it not, you must receive course credit. Only certain employers participate in CPT. Alternately, OPT is not employer specific and allows work, not an internship or co-op, and you do not need to earn course credit.

Follow us:
Written by

Brianna Burrows


Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. Follow her on Twitter here.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled From All Over the World to PCC: International Students Find Community, Opportunity, and Success
From All Over the World to PCC: International Students Find Community, Opportunity, and Success
Main image for the article titled Ready to Start Your U.S. College Journey? We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way!
Ready to Start Your U.S. College Journey? We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way!
Main image for the article titled Why Study at the International Language Institute (ILI)?
Why Study at the International Language Institute (ILI)?
Main image for the article titled How CSU, Chico Transformed Sourabh Kulkarni's Journey to Success in Computer Science
How CSU, Chico Transformed Sourabh Kulkarni's Journey to Success in Computer Science
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Mohawk Valley Community College State University of New York (SUNY)

Mohawk Valley Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Year

Undergraduate Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
University of West Georgia

University of West Georgia

$15,000—$20,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Masters Undergraduate
Contact
Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College

$10,000 — $15,000 Year

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Bachelor Degree
Contact

Featured Programs

Los Angeles City College

Typical cost per Semester: $1,000—$5,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Summer
Learn More

Foothill College / De Anza College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Summer English Programs
Learn More

Napa Valley College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Undergraduate
Learn More

Related Stories

What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?

Main image for the article titled What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?
What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?
What is the Difference Between an Associate's and a Bachelor's Degree?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between an Associate's and a Bachelor's Degree?
What is the Difference Between an Undergraduate and a Graduate Degree?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between an Undergraduate and a Graduate Degree?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for BetterHelp

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. You get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with access to a huge network of therapists, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affor...

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more
Partner service logo for VISIT® Student Health Insurance provides competitive Student Health Plans to meet every requirement

VISIT® Student Health Insurance provides competitive Student Health Plans...

International STUDENT & SCHOLAR Health Insurance provides important protection against unexpected medical expenses for Accidents, Illnesses and Medical Evacuation while Studying or Traveling Abroad. Protect yourself and Study Safely, with a Stud...

Read more

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • TOEFL Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2025 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.