F-1 Student Visa: Complete OPT and CPT Guide for 2026

F-1 OPT and CPT: The Complete Guide

If you're an international student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, understanding your work authorization options is critical for your career. This guide covers everything about Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT extension, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

What Is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation in a job related to their field of study. It's filed using Form I-765 and results in an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

There are two types of OPT:

Pre-completion OPT: Work while still enrolled in school. Limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year, full-time during breaks. Each month of pre-completion OPT reduces your post-completion OPT period.

Post-completion OPT: The most common type. Up to 12 months of full-time work authorization after completing your degree. This is what most students mean when they say "OPT."

How to Apply for OPT

Timeline:

• •You can apply up to 90 days before your program end date
• •You must apply no later than 60 days after your program end date
• •USCIS must receive the application within 30 days of your DSO recommending OPT in SEVIS

Required documents:

• •Form I-765 (filed online or by mail)
• •Copy of Form I-20 with OPT recommendation from your DSO
• •Passport photos (2x2)
• •Copy of passport, visa, and I-94
• •Previous EADs (if any)
• •Filing fee ($410)

Processing time: Typically 3-5 months. Apply early — you cannot begin working until you receive your EAD.

STEM OPT Extension (24 Months)

If your degree is in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), you can apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT. This gives you a total of 36 months of work authorization.

Eligibility requirements:

• •Degree in a STEM field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
• •Employer enrolled in E-Verify
• •Formal training plan (Form I-983) signed by you and your employer
• •Currently in a valid period of post-completion OPT

Key deadlines:

• •Apply up to 90 days before current OPT expires
• •Must apply before OPT expires — there is no grace period for late applications
• •Your OPT is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the STEM OPT application is pending

STEM OPT requirements during the extension:

• •Employer must be E-Verify enrolled
• •You must report to your DSO every 6 months
• •Complete a self-evaluation at 12 months and 24 months (on Form I-983)
• •Cannot be unemployed for more than 150 aggregate days during the 24-month extension

What Is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to work while still in school, but only if the work is an integral part of your curriculum — such as an internship, co-op, or practicum required by your degree program.

Key differences from OPT:

• •CPT is authorized by your school (no USCIS application needed)
• •Must be tied to your curriculum
• •Can be part-time (20 hours/week) or full-time
• •12+ months of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility

How to get CPT:

• 1.Get a job offer related to your field of study
• 2.Register for the internship/co-op course at your school
• 3.Your DSO authorizes CPT on your I-20
• 4.You can begin working on the CPT start date printed on your I-20

OPT vs CPT: Quick Comparison

The 90-Day Unemployment Rule

While on post-completion OPT, you cannot be unemployed for more than 90 aggregate days. During STEM OPT, this extends to 150 days for the 24-month period.

Unemployment includes:

• •Days without a job
• •Days between jobs
• •Not volunteering or doing unpaid work in your field

Ways to stay compliant:

• •Volunteer work related to your field counts as employment
• •Self-employment is allowed (you can start a business)
• •Working for multiple employers is fine
• •Part-time work (at least 20 hours/week) counts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 1.Applying too late for OPT. You must apply before the 60-day grace period ends. Late applications are denied.

• 2.Not reporting employer changes. You must update your employer information in the SEVP portal within 10 days of any change.

• 3.Traveling without proper documents. To re-enter the U.S. on OPT, you need: valid EAD, valid passport, valid F-1 visa stamp, I-20 with travel signature (less than 6 months old), and a job offer or employment letter.

• 4.Using too much CPT. 12+ months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. Track your CPT hours carefully.

• 5.Exceeding the unemployment limit. USCIS can revoke your OPT if you exceed 90 days of unemployment. Keep records.

• 6.Missing STEM OPT reporting deadlines. You must validate your information with your DSO every 6 months and file I-983 evaluations on time.

Planning Your Timeline

Here's a recommended timeline for F-1 students approaching graduation:

After OPT: What's Next?

Once your OPT (or STEM OPT) ends, you'll need a different visa to continue working. Common paths:

• •H-1B visa: The most common next step. Your employer enters you in the H-1B lottery (March registration). If selected, you can start working October 1.
• •O-1 visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability. No lottery required.
• •Green card: Some employers begin the green card process during OPT.
• •Cap-gap extension: If you're a beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B cap petition, your OPT and F-1 status are automatically extended through September 30.