CPT and OPT Timing Mistakes to Avoid: What happens if you apply too late or too soon?

Hey there!

Whether you're hoping to land an internship during your degree or planning full-time work after graduation, there are two terms you need to know inside and out: CPT and OPT.

These work authorizations are essential for international students—but they come with rules, deadlines, and processing times that are easy to overlook. Making a mistake, applying at the wrong time, or missing a required step could not only delay your plans, it could put your legal status at risk.

Let’s walk through the most common CPT and OPT timing mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Apply for OPT

OPT (Optional Practical Training) lets you work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation (or 36 months if you’re eligible for the STEM extension). But here’s the catch—it can take 3+ months to process, and you can’t start working until your EAD card (Employment Authorization Document) arrives.

You can apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. Waiting too long cuts into your job search timeline or could cause you to miss your window entirely.

Tip: Mark your calendar and submit your OPT application early, even if you don’t have a job offer yet. 

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Mistake #2: Applying for CPT Too Close to Your Internship Start Date

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows you to intern during your studies, but it requires school authorization before you start working. Many schools need 1–2 weeks (sometimes more) to process CPT requests and some require enrollment in a CPT-eligible course during the same term.

If you accept an offer and try to start immediately without CPT approval, that’s considered unauthorized employment—a direct violation of your F-1 visa.

Tip: Always speak with your international student office before accepting or committing to an internship. Make sure the offer, job description, and course registration align with your school's CPT policy.

Mistake #3: Working Before Approval

This one is critical. You cannot work—paid or unpaid—until your CPT is officially approved or your OPT start date has arrived. Even one day of unauthorized work can jeopardize your F-1 status.

If you're still waiting for a CPT or OPT approval, be patient. Start dates must align with the authorization you receive. Don’t rely on verbal approvals or guesses—wait for the actual documents.

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Mistake #4: Misunderstanding STEM OPT Extension Deadlines

If you're currently on OPT and your degree qualifies as a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension—but the application timeline is strict and non-negotiable.

You must submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS before your initial 12-month OPT ends. USCIS must receive your complete application no later than the last day of your current OPT. There’s no grace period or late submission option.

You can apply up to 90 days before your regular OPT expires. Once your application is submitted, you're allowed to keep working for up to 180 days while your STEM extension is pending—as long as your application is timely.

To qualify, make sure:

• Your degree must be listed on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List

• Your employer must be E-Verified

• You and your employer must complete Form I-983, a formal training plan that outlines your learning goals, supervision, and how your role relates to your field of study

• Your job must be paid—unpaid jobs/internships are not allowed under STEM OPT

• The role must involve at least 20 hours of work per week, and the compensation must meet federal, state, and local minimum wage requirements

Tip: Mark your OPT end date on your calendar now and set a reminder 3 months in advance to start preparing your STEM extension paperwork.

Work experience in the U.S. is a game-changer, but the rules are rigid and timing is everything. We’re here to help you navigate every step and make sure you’re set up for success.

If you still have questions about CPT or OPT, just reply to this email and we’ll help you out.

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡