🌎 OPT & CPT Guide 2026 — Work While Studying (Complete Solutions) →
OPT & CPT Guide 2026 — Work While Studying (Complete Checklist)
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Image courtesy: Unsplash — F1 Student Work Authorization 2026
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OPT vs. CPT: Key Differences Explained
Understanding the difference between CPT and OPT is critical for F1 students planning their career trajectory in the US. Both offer valuable work experience but with distinct timing, eligibility, and compliance requirements.
| Aspect | CPT (Curricular Practical Training) | OPT (Optional Practical Training) |
|---|---|---|
| When | DURING degree program | AFTER graduation |
| Duration | Variable (1 semester to 1 year cumulative) | 12 months standard + 24 months STEM extension |
| Requirement | Must be part of curriculum (co-op, internship) | Work related to degree |
| Application | Via DSO (university) + USCIS | Via USCIS (I-765) |
| Salary | Market rate (usually paid) | Market rate (varies) |
| Impact on OPT | May reduce OPT duration (12 months minus CPT time) | Affected by prior CPT |
| Deadline | 30–60 days before start | 30–90 days before graduation |
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) — Work During Your Studies
CPT allows F1 students to gain practical work experience related to their degree while still enrolled in their program. It\’s typically part of your curriculum (co-op programs, internships, on-campus work-study with advanced roles).
CPT Eligibility Requirements
- Completed one full academic year of study in your program
- Are currently enrolled in your degree program (full-time)
- Work is required or recommended by your program (part of curriculum)
- Have permission from your DSO (Department of Student Services Office)
- Work is directly related to your major/degree
- Are in good SEVIS standing (no status violations)
CPT Work Limits & Academic Enrollment
Full-Time CPT: You can work full-time (40+ hours/week) only during official school breaks (winter/summer break). During the academic semester, you must remain enrolled full-time and cannot work more than 20 hours/week.
CPT Application Timeline & Deadlines 2026
1Secure Job Offer (Target: 60 days before start)
Find an employer willing to hire you and provide a signed offer letter specifying job title, duties, start date, end date, and salary.
2Meet with Your DSO (30–45 days before start)
Contact your university\’s international student office. Bring offer letter, resume, course curriculum showing this work is required/recommended, and explain how the role relates to your degree.
3DSO Approves & Issues New I-20 (10–15 days)
Your DSO will review and, if approved, issue a new I-20 with CPT notation. This updated I-20 is your authorization to work.
4Start Work (On approved start date)
You can begin working on the start date specified on your I-20. No additional USCIS approval is needed for CPT (unlike OPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT) — Work After Graduation
OPT is the most popular work authorization for international F1 students. It allows you to work for 12 months (standard) AFTER graduation in a position related to your degree. STEM degree holders qualify for an additional 24-month extension.
Post-Completion OPT: 12-Month Standard Authorization
- Available to all F1 students who have completed their degree
- Must be related to your field of study
- Allows work for any employer (not just one sponsor)
- You can change jobs freely during your OPT period
- Must use within 30 days of graduation (or within grace period if unemployed)
STEM OPT Extension: 24 Additional Months (for STEM Majors)
If your degree is in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you can apply for a 24-month extension after your initial 12 months expire, giving you a total of 36 months (3 years) of work authorization.
When You Can Start OPT (Grace Period & Timing)
You have a 30-day grace period after graduation to find a job and start OPT. This means:
- Graduation date: May 20, 2026
- OPT must be used by: June 20, 2026 (30-day grace period)
- If you don\’t start work by June 20, you must depart the US or apply for other status (like H1-B)
OPT Unemployment Limit: 90 Days Maximum
Step-by-Step OPT Application Process (2026)
1Request New I-20 from DSO (Timeline: 60 days before graduation)
Contact your university\’s international student office and request a new I-20 for OPT. Provide:
- Intended job field (must relate to degree)
- Expected graduation date
- Preferred OPT start date
Your DSO will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation (Form I-20 Appendix B indicating OPT eligibility).
2Complete I-765 Application (Timeline: 45 days before graduation)
Download Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) from USCIS website.
Key fields to complete:
- Part 1: Biographical information
- Part 2: Immigration category = \”c\” (OPT) or \”c(3)(ii)\” (STEM OPT)
- Part 3: Work authorization period dates
- Attach new I-20, passport, proof of degree completion (unofficial transcript)
3Mail I-765 to USCIS Service Center (Timeline: 30–45 days before graduation)
Mail your complete I-765 application package to the USCIS field office serving your area. Include:
- Completed I-765 form (signed)
- New I-20 (original)
- Passport copy
- Birth certificate copy
- Application fee ($410 for most applicants, free for F1 OPT)
- Unofficial transcript showing degree will be conferred
Check your USCIS field office: USCIS Service Centers
4USCIS Processes Application (Timeline: 2–4 weeks)
USCIS will:
- Send receipt notice (I-797 form)
- Schedule biometric appointment (fingerprints) if needed
- Review your application
- Mail approval notice if accepted
5Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (Timeline: 3–4 weeks after approval)
USCIS mails your EAD card (I-766) showing:
- Work authorization category (OPT)
- Card expiration date (your OPT end date)
- Valid date (when you can start working)
6Start Working (On or After Valid Date on EAD Card)
You can officially start working once:
- EAD card arrives and shows valid date
- You have job offer from employer
- You\’re within 30-day grace period (or job-hunting extension)
Provide your EAD card and I-20 to your employer as proof of work authorization.
Step-by-Step CPT Application Process
1Secure Internship/Job Offer (Target: 60 days before start)
Find employer, get written offer letter with:
- Job title and description
- Start and end dates
- Work schedule (hours/week)
- Location and salary (if applicable)
2Meet DSO with Offer Letter (30–45 days before start)
Schedule appointment with your university\’s international office. Bring:
- Job offer letter
- Curriculum showing this work is required/recommended
- Course list from current semester
3DSO Reviews & Approves (10–15 days)
DSO assesses whether work meets CPT eligibility and relates to your degree.
4Receive Updated I-20 with CPT Notation (5–10 days)
DSO issues new I-20 showing:
- CPT employment period (start/end dates)
- Employer name and location
- Work hours (part-time/full-time)
5Start CPT Work (On approved date)
Present updated I-20 to employer. You\’re authorized to work immediately. No additional USCIS approval needed.
OPT & CPT Eligibility Checklist (10 Critical Items)
Before applying for OPT or CPT, ensure you meet ALL of these requirements:
- Completed Full Academic Year: You\’ve finished at least 1 full year of study in your degree program (required for both CPT and OPT)
- Enrolled in Approved Degree Program: Your program is approved by SEVIS and your university is SEVIS-certified
- Full-Time Student Status: You\’re enrolled as a full-time student (minimum course load per program requirements)
- Degree Program (Not ESL/Foundation): You\’re in a degree program, not an ESL program or foundation year (ESL doesn\’t qualify for OPT/CPT)
- No Prior 12+ Months CPT: You haven\’t used more than 12 cumulative months of CPT (CPT counts against OPT duration)
- Job Related to Major: Your job/internship relates directly to your degree field of study
- Valid F-1 Status: You\’re in valid F-1 status with no violations (no unlawful work, no status lapses)
- Good Academic Standing: You\’re maintaining satisfactory academic progress (GPA requirements vary by school)
- I-20 in Hand: You have a valid, unexpired I-20 from your university
- Meet Timing Requirements: For OPT: apply 30–90 days before graduation; For CPT: apply 30–60 days before work start
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake #1: Missing the 30-Day OPT Application Deadline Before Graduation
Problem: If you apply AFTER graduation without a 30-day pre-graduation application, USCIS may reject your application.
Solution: Apply for OPT 30–90 days BEFORE your graduation date. Don\’t wait until after graduation.
❌ Mistake #2: Starting Work Before EAD Card Approval
Problem: Working before your EAD card is approved and valid violates F-1 regulations and can lead to status termination.
Solution: Wait for EAD card with valid date. Check USCIS case status online using your receipt number.
❌ Mistake #3: Job Not Related to Your Degree
Problem: Working in a field unrelated to your major violates OPT/CPT terms. Example: CS major working as barista.
Solution: Ensure any job relates directly to your degree. Consult DSO if unsure whether a job qualifies.
❌ Mistake #4: Exceeding 90 Days Unemployment on OPT
Problem: More than 90 days unemployed = automatic SEVIS termination and mandatory departure from US.
Solution: Track every day of unemployment. If approaching 90 days, either find job or prepare to depart/apply for other status (H-1B).
❌ Mistake #5: Forgetting CPT Counts Against OPT Duration
Problem: Using 6 months of CPT leaves only 6 months of OPT. Many students don\’t realize this until too late.
Solution: Before doing CPT, ask DSO: \”How much of my OPT will this CPT use?\” Plan accordingly.
❌ Mistake #6: Not Requesting STEM Extension Before OPT Expires
Problem: STEM extension must be applied for BEFORE your initial 12-month OPT expires. Once expired, you cannot apply.
Solution: If STEM-eligible, file STEM extension I-765 at least 90 days before your first OPT expires.
Official Resources & Verification
Use these official government sources to verify OPT/CPT information and track your application:
Critical Links:
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) — Official USCIS form and instructions
- USCIS OPT Resources — Complete OPT guide and FAQs
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) — If you need to travel during OPT
- SEVIS Portal — Track your F-1 status and I-20
- Department of Labor — Job search resources and labor statistics
How to Check Your OPT Case Status:
- Go to USCIS.gov
- Click \”Check My Case Status\”
- Enter your receipt number (I-797 form) or your USCIS account login
- View status: \”Case Received,\” \”In Progress,\” \”Decision Ready,\” etc.
Frequently Asked Questions — OPT & CPT 2026
A: Yes, you can work multiple jobs on OPT. However, your total work time counts toward employment authorization. For example: 30 hours at Job A + 20 hours at Job B = 50 hours total per week. All work must be related to your degree. Inform your DSO if you change jobs or add additional employment.
A: Yes, 100%. Any CPT work directly reduces your OPT duration. If you use 3 months of CPT, you have 9 months of OPT remaining (12 months total authorization). Some exceptions exist for certain CPT (e.g., on-campus work may not reduce OPT), so ask your DSO for clarification.
A: Keep detailed records of start/end dates for each job. Use a spreadsheet or download our free OPT Unemployment Tracker. Mark employment dates clearly. If you\’re unemployed, count those calendar days. Report your unemployment periods to your DSO every 90 days. Many students use Google Calendar or Notion to track this automatically.
A: Yes. Your job can change during OPT without affecting STEM extension eligibility. What matters is that your PRIMARY work (longest duration) was in a STEM field. You can change employers and job titles, but work must remain STEM-related. Ask your DSO to confirm STEM extension eligibility before the deadline.
A: Your SEVIS status is AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATED. You become out-of-status and must depart the US immediately. You cannot extend your OPT or apply for other visas while out-of-status. Exception: You can request an emergency depart extension (up to 10 days) but must leave the country. Always monitor your unemployment days carefully.
A: No. You MUST have DSO approval and a new I-20 with CPT notation before starting work. Working without approval violates F-1 regulations and can result in status termination. Always get written approval from your DSO before your first day of work.
A: Current processing time: 2–4 months from application to EAD card receipt (as of 2025–2026). Timeline: Apply 60 days before graduation → USCIS receives → Receipt notice (1–2 weeks) → Biometrics appointment → Decision → EAD card mailing (1–2 weeks). Total: 3–4 months. Always apply early to account for delays.
Ready to Maximize Your F1 Work Authorization?
Our free OPT & CPT 2026 checklist covers every step, from application deadlines to unemployment tracking—plus a STEM extension guide.
✓ Application Deadlines | ✓ 90-Day Unemployment Tracker | ✓ Job Search Tips | ✓ STEM Extension Guide
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