Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are work authorisations available to eligible F-1 international students in the US. CPT is generally used during a student’s degree programme, while OPT is usually used before or after graduation. Using CPT does not automatically reduce or cancel OPT eligibility. However, one year of full-time CPT can make a student ineligible for OPT at the same academic level.
