Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are options for foreign students on an F visa. These practical training opportunities allow students to work temporarily in an area related to their field of study.
CPT allows a student to work while he or she is enrolled in school. The school must approve the employment and will provide the student with a certificate of eligibility. If a student has 12 months or more of full-time CPT, he or she will be ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT will generally not affect OPT.
OPT allows a student to work after he or she has completed school. The student must apply for work authorization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and must also receive a certificate of eligibility from his or her school.
A student may apply for 12 months of OPT. Those with a STEM degree (a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) may apply for a 17-month extension. To do so, the student’s employer must use the E-Verify program.