What is the difference between curricular practical training (CPT) and OPT?
CPT is work authorization granted by OISS but students are only eligible if the work is an integral part of their curriculum. CPT can only be authorized before the completion of a program. OPT is work authorization that provides the opportunity for students to gain work experience after the completion of a degree (or after the completion of a graduate student’s course work). It is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Lawful F-1 students who have been maintaining status for one academic year are eligible for OPT, as long as the application is filed in a timely manner. See our CPT OPT Comparison Chart for additional information.
