OPT vs. CPT

At the time of your application, you:

• Are in F-1 status
• Are a degree-seeking student
  • Have studied at a U.S. college or university for at least 1 academic year
• Have received a job/internship offer to do work in your major

At the time of your application, you:

• Are in F-1 status
• Are a degree-seeking student or recently graduated
• Have studied at a U.S. college or university for at least 1 academic year

The work is full-time (more than 20 hours/week) during the fall or spring semester:

• YES but only allowed for advanced graduate students

The work is part-time (20 hours/week or less) during the fall or spring semester:

• NO

Learn more about on-campus employment.

The work is before your date of degree completion:

• NO: See CPT and on-campus employment

The work is after your date of degree completion:

• YES

The work is before your date of degree completion:

• YES

The work is after your date of degree completion:

• See OPT

The work is before your date of degree completion:

• NO: See CPT

The work is after your date of degree completion:

• YES

Click here for I-765 (OPT) filing fee, paid to USCIS. You do not have to pay the biometric fee.

After you submit your CPT Request in MyISSS, your Academic Advisor must review and respond. ISSS takes up to 7 business days to issue you the I-20 with our CPT authorization on it.

Once you have a job offer, you should allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks to submit your CPT Request in MyISSS and pick up the I-20 with CPT authorization from ISSS.

Take the following to the Social Security office:

• Passport
• I-94 record (print from cbp.gov/i94)
• I-20 with CPT authorization
• Job offer letter

Learn more about getting a Social Security Number.

Take the following to the Social Security office:

• Passport
• I-94 record (print from cbp.gov/i94)
• I-20 with CPT authorization
• Job offer letter

Learn more about getting a Social Security Number.

Yes, but ISSS recommends F-1 students use CPT for work authorization prior to completion of your degree.

You are allowed 12 months of OPT per degree level. You may use a percentage of it before graduation, but it is deducted from the 12 month total.

1. Take and complete the ISSS CPT Online Workshop. Save and print the Completion Certificate email.
2. Meet your Academic Advisor to discuss work opportunity
3. Download Course Instructor Verification form and meet your Course Instructor for signature
4. Fill out and submit the CPT Request in MyISSS
5. Pick up your new I-20 with CPT authorization

• Take and complete the ISSS OPT Online Workshop. Save and print the Completion Certificate email.
• Meet your Academic Advisor to verify your date of degree completion
• Fill out and submit the OPT Request in MyISSS
• Collect all OPT application documents and copies
• Pick up your new I-20 with OPT recommendation
• Send OPT application documents to USCIS
• Receive your EAD from USCIS

Yes, a job/internship/co-op offer is required.

CPT authorization is specific to an employer and for specific start and end dates.

Part-time: Unlimited

Full-time: 12 months. If you reach 12 months of full-time CPT, you will not be able to do OPT at this degree level.