What Are OPT and CPT in the USA?
Are you planning to study in the USA? If so, you’ve probably heard terms like OPT and CPT when researching job opportunities during and after your studies. But what do these terms really mean — and how do they affect your study experience in the US?
In this simple guide, we’ll break it down for you and show you how OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training) can help boost your career while you study in the USA.
Why are OPT and CPT important for international students?
These days, many students don’t just want a degree — they want hands-on experience in their field, too. Internships, research projects and part-time jobs can help you gain valuable skills and improve your CV.
The US education system makes this possible for international students by offering OPT and CPT — two official ways to gain practical work experience while studying on an F-1 student visa. These opportunities can make you more competitive in the job market — both in the USA and when you return home to Nigeria.
What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
OPT allows international students to work in the USA in a role directly related to their field of study — either during or after completing their degree. This is authorised by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Types of OPT:
Pre-completion OPT:
You can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester or full-time during school holidays, after completing at least one academic year in the US.
Post-completion OPT:
After finishing your degree, you can apply to work full-time for up to 12 months. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduates may be eligible for a 24-month extension on top of the 12 months.
If you use time under Pre-completion OPT, it will be deducted from the available time under Post-completion OPT.
What is CPT (Curricular Practical Training)?
CPT lets students work in paid internships, cooperative education programmes, or practical training as part of their degree requirements. The work must be an integrated part of the course and must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) at your university.
You can work part-time or full-time under CPT, but you must have a job offer related to your field of study and it must be approved as part of your programme.
Key Differences Between OPT and CPT
| Category | CPT | OPT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Gain experience during your degree | Gain experience after your degree |
| Part of academic programme? | Yes — it’s linked to your course | No — it’s optional but must relate to your field |
| When you can start | During your studies | After completing your programme |
| Authorisation | By your university (DSO) | By USCIS (government) |
| Application process | Done through the university | Formal application to USCIS |
| Work duration | Varies — up to 12 months | Up to 12 months (can extend 24 months for STEM) |
| Work permission document | No EAD (Employment Authorisation Document) | Requires EAD from USCIS |
| Application fee | No fee | Fee of approx. $410 to USCIS |
| Working hours | During school: 20 hours; holidays: full-time | Post-graduation: full-time |
| Employer restrictions | Employer must be part of your university programme | Can work for any approved employer in your field |
Documents Required for OPT and CPT Applications
For CPT:
Completion of CPT online workshop (if required by your school)
Academic recommendation from your programme
Offer letter/training certificate from the employer
Copy of current I-20 form
Electronic I-94 form printout
For OPT:
2 passport-sized photos
Completed Form I-765 (original)
Copy of current passport
I-94 printout
OPT recommendation and current I-20
Copies of all previous I-20 forms
Copies of any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
Copy of F-1 visa page in passport
FAQs: OPT and CPT for Nigerian Students
1. Can I do both CPT and OPT?
Yes, but be careful — if you use more than 12 months of full-time CPT, you may lose eligibility for OPT.
2. Do I need a job offer before applying for OPT?
No — you can apply for OPT without a job offer, but the job you eventually take must be in your field of study.
3. How soon can I start working on OPT after graduation?
You must wait for approval from USCIS and for your EAD card to arrive before starting work.
4. Does CPT affect my OPT eligibility?
Using part-time CPT generally doesn’t affect OPT. But full-time CPT of more than 12 months can affect it.
5. Can I work off-campus without OPT or CPT?
No — without authorisation, off-campus work is not allowed on an F-1 visa.
Both OPT and CPT offer fantastic opportunities for Nigerian students to build their careers while studying in the USA. Whether you’re looking for internship experience during your studies or full-time work after graduation, these pathways can help you gain valuable skills and stand out in the job market.