CPT vs. OPT – What Every International Student Needs to Know

Hey there!

If you’re planning to work during or after your studies in the U.S., there are two words you absolutely need to know: CPT and OPT. These visa work authorizations allow international students to gain real-world experience legally—and if you don’t plan ahead, you could miss out on major opportunities.

Before we dive in, here’s something to help you get started: we’re giving away a free ATS-optimized resume and cover letter template to help you stand out in the job market. Grab yours now!

Now, let’s break it down:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Think of CPT as your ticket to internships while you’re still a student. If your degree requires practical training or work experience, CPT lets you take on a job or internship related to your field of study.

The catch?
- You need approval from your school’s international office.
- Your work must be tied to an academic course.
- Most importantly: If you work full-time on CPT for more than 12 months, you lose eligibility for OPT—so plan wisely!

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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT lets you work in the U.S. after graduation. You get 12 months of work authorization, and if you’re in a STEM field, you can extend it for an extra 24 months. Unlike CPT, you don’t need a job offer to apply—but apply early because processing times can take months.

Want to Dive Deeper?

We’ve put together a F-1 Visa E-Book that walks you through everything—from getting the F-1 Visa to navigating work authorization through CPT and OPT to securing a visa after graduation.

👉 Check out our F-1 Visa E-Book here!

Best,
Ansh Mundra & Amanda Binu
The Roam Growth Team