F-1 Student Work: OPT & CPT

To work legally in the US on an F-1 student visa, you need authorization such as OPT or CPT.

Key distinctions

• CPT: major-related training during studies (requires school approval)
• OPT: up to 12 months of work around graduation (24-month extension for STEM)
• Both must be related to your field of study

For OPT you must apply to USCIS before graduation and receive an EAD card before starting, so timing matters. There are also unemployment limits and reporting duties, so work closely with your school's international office (DSO).