CPT or OPT – What’s the difference? Which do you qualify for? Here’s a comparison chart to help you know the differences and make an informed decision.
NOTE: Part-time is anything up to 20 hours per week; full-time is anything 20 hours per week or more but is typically 40 hours.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a required or optional part of the established curriculum for your major, as listed in the course catalog as an internship, practicum, work experience, or co-op and you must be enrolled for such course throughout your CPT. |
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is an employment benefit for international F-1 visa students to work in the U.S in a job related to the student’s field of study. It is intended to enhance and supplement the formal, classroom education after a student's coursework is completed. |
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CPT is only allowed for students currently working on completing degree requirements - degree-seeking students. |
Post-completion OPT is only allowed for students who have completed coursework requirements. |
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CPT is authorized by ISSS for each individual internship experience and requires an offer/letter from a prospective employer. |
Post-completion OPT requires first, a request to ISSS and then an application to USCIS. A job offer is not required to apply for post-completion OPT. |
| CPT is authorized for specific dates that must fall within an academic semester. You must seek authorization each semester where CPT is required in your curriculum. |
Post-completion OPT is authorized for 12 months after coursework is completed. |
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CPT requires you to be enrolled for a course that will assess your CPT experience in the semester in which you are seeking work authorization. International enrollment requirements still apply. |
For graduate students, you may enroll as needed to finish thesis/dissertation/defense requirements while the post-completion OPT application is pending or approved. For anyone on OPT, please note that you may not enroll in any degree program. |
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You can be authorized for as many CPT experiences as required by your curriculum; however, one year (365 days) of full-time CPT will make you ineligible to apply for post-completion OPT. |
Post-completion OPT is generally authorized for one year for each progressive degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate). For example, you may not apply for post-completion OPT twice at the same degree level (e.g. second Bachelor's) or a lower degree level (e.g. Master's to Bachelor's). |
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CPT is not approved for the first year of study unless required by an established co-op. CPT is not approved for the last term of study unless it is required to complete an internship in that (final) term to graduate. Full-time CPT is authorized in summer semesters. Only part-time CPT is authorized in fall/spring semesters. |
WVU does not approve pre-completion OPT; however, you may begin the post-completion OPT application process 90 days prior to your program end date. The deadline to apply is no more than 60 days after your program end date. Be sure to keep in mind processing times when applying. |