CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT: What Is the Difference?
CPT is work permission for training that is a required part of your program, approved by your school and used before you graduate. OPT is up to 12 months of work in your field, approved by USCIS and used mostly after graduation. STEM OPT adds 24 more months for STEM graduates with an E-Verify employer.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
Side-by-side
- Who approves: CPT is approved by your DSO in SEVIS. OPT and STEM OPT need a DSO recommendation and USCIS approval on Form I-765.
- When: CPT happens before your program end date. OPT can be before or after. STEM OPT follows post-completion OPT.
- Employer: CPT covers one named employer per authorization. OPT lets you work for any employer in your field. STEM OPT needs an E-Verify employer and a training plan.
- Job offer: CPT needs one first. OPT does not. STEM OPT needs a specific employer.
- Length: CPT has no fixed total, but 12 months of full-time CPT ends OPT eligibility. OPT is up to 12 months per degree level. STEM OPT is 24 months.
- Cost: CPT has no USCIS fee. OPT and STEM OPT each need an I-765 fee of $470 online or $520 by mail.
- Card: CPT shows on your I-20. OPT and STEM OPT come with an EAD card.
How CPT can use up OPT
Part-time CPT, 20 hours a week or less, never affects OPT. Full-time CPT is fine until it reaches 12 months in total. At that point you lose OPT at that degree level.
Losing OPT also closes off STEM OPT and the cap-gap work time many people use to move to H-1B. Track your full-time CPT months.
| Employer | H-1B filings | Transfers | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.Com Services LLC | 14,047 | 2,382 | $155k |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions US CorpGC frozen | 10,209 | 872 | $110k |
| Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 9,808 | 269 | $143k |
| Google LLC | 7,899 | 844 | $186k |
| Microsoft CorporationGC frozen | 7,840 | 879 | $173k |
| Tata Consultancy Services LimitedGC frozen | 7,287 | 353 | $86k |
Can you use both?
Yes. Many students do summer CPT internships and still get a full 12 months of OPT after graduation.
Pre-completion OPT is different. It reduces your post-completion OPT. A year of full-time pre-completion OPT leaves none for after graduation.
Which is better?
They do different jobs. CPT is for training inside your program. OPT is for practical work after you finish, and it does not depend on a curriculum requirement.
If your goal is H-1B, OPT and STEM OPT usually give you more time and lottery chances. See OPT to H-1B and the STEM OPT hub.
What changed for CPT in 2026
SEVP's August 2026 guidance says CPT must be required for all students in the program. Elective internships may no longer qualify at some schools.
OPT has its own pending change: a proposed fee, paid by schools, published October 8, 2026. It is not final. See proposed OPT fees.
Learn more on the CPT hub and the OPT hub.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with your DSO or an immigration attorney.
Questions
Is CPT or OPT better?
Neither is better. CPT covers required training during your program. OPT gives up to 12 months of flexible work and leads to STEM OPT and H-1B.
Does CPT reduce my OPT?
Only full-time CPT that reaches 12 months. That ends OPT eligibility at that degree level. Part-time CPT does not count.
Do I need a job offer for CPT?
Yes. CPT needs a training offer and an employer letter or agreement before your DSO can authorize it.
Do I need a job offer for OPT?
No. You can apply for OPT without an offer, but unemployment days count once it starts.
Does STEM OPT need a job offer?
Yes. You need an E-Verify employer that signs a Form I-983 training plan before your DSO can recommend the extension.
Can I do CPT after I graduate?
No. CPT must happen before your program end date. After you finish, work is through OPT.
Sources
- Study in the States: F-1 Curricular Practical Training (SEVIS Help Hub)
- Study in the States: Learn About the Types of Practical Training for F-1 Students
- USCIS: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part F, Chapter 5: Practical Training
- Boston University ISSO: Additional SEVP Guidance Further Restricts CPT Eligibility (Aug. 28, 2026)
