F-1 / OPT / CPT

F-1 status, OPT, and CPT

F-1 is the U.S. student visa for full-time academic study at SEVP-certified schools. International students on F-1 status access three forms of work authorization tied to their academic program:

• On-campus employment — up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks. No separate authorization needed.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) — off-campus work integral to the curriculum. DSO-authorized through SEVIS. Standard requires 1 academic year of full-time enrollment first; "Day 1 CPT" programs at a small set of universities authorize CPT from term one.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months post-completion (24-month STEM extension for STEM-designated degrees). Requires Form I-765 EAD application to USCIS.

F-1 status is governed by 8 CFR §214.2(f) and SEVP regulation. The DSO at the institution maintains the SEVIS record; CPT and OPT eligibility, status maintenance, and travel rules all flow through SEVIS. Source authority: ICE SEVIS and studyinthestates.dhs.gov.

F-1 / OPT / CPT sub-pages

• Day 1 CPT · ⭐ how it works, USCIS scrutiny risk, school list
• Optional Practical Training · post-completion OPT, application timing, EAD validity
• Curricular Practical Training · standard CPT eligibility, full-time vs part-time
• STEM OPT · 24-month extension for STEM-designated degrees
• STEM OPT extension · I-765 application, employer requirements
• CPT vs OPT comparison · timing, eligibility, employer-relationship rules
• OPT extension · STEM-only, 60-day grace period considerations
• F-1 to H-1B · cap-gap automatic extension, change-of-status timing
• Day 1 CPT schools · directory of universities with Day 1 CPT programs

Data sources: SEVP Study in the States · ICE SEVIS practical training · USCIS student employment. Not legal advice. Consult your DSO and a licensed immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.