From CPT to OPT to H-1B: A career timeline for international students
For international postgraduate students in the U.S., earning a degree is just the start. What comes next – getting work experience, building a resume and securing long-term employment—requires strategic planning across multiple visa stages.
The path from classroom to full-time career often follows three key steps: CPT during your program, OPT after graduation and, for many, the H-1B work visa. Each phase builds on the last, and timing matters at every stage.
Understanding this timeline can help you prepare for key milestones and avoid delays that could cost you valuable time, work authorization, or even your ability to move to the United States.
Start early: Using CPT to gain experience during your program
Curricular practical training (CPT) for international students allows eligible F-1 students to participate in internships or work experiences tied to their academic program. It can be part time during the semester or full time during academic breaks—if approved by your school.
CPT is your first chance to apply classroom knowledge in a U.S. workplace. It also helps you:
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- Test different roles and industries
- Build a network of U.S.-based professional contacts
- Strengthen your resume before graduation
- Learn how to work within American business culture
- Test different roles and industries
Not all schools allow CPT immediately, and eligibility typically starts after one academic year. Some graduate programs require practical training from day one, which may accelerate your timeline.
OPT: Your first full-time job opportunity after graduation
Optional practical training (OPT) is the next major phase. Once you graduate, you’re eligible for up to 12 months of full-time employment under OPT—provided your work relates to your degree field.
This is often when international students land their first U.S. job in tech, finance, research, or other sectors. It’s a critical window to gain experience, demonstrate value to employers and position yourself for visa sponsorship.
STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension, bringing total work authorization to 36 months. That additional time can dramatically improve your chances of securing a long-term role or H-1B visa.
Keep in mind:
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- Apply early (up to 90 days before your program end date).
- You must not exceed 90 days of unemployment.
- Every job must be directly tied to your academic program.
- Apply early (up to 90 days before your program end date).
Where MPOWER Financing fits into your transition plan
Between CPT, OPT, and the job search that follows, international students studying overseas often face unpredictable financial needs. Relocation, visa fees, professional gear and temporary housing all add up—especially before your first paycheck.
MPOWER Financing supports students during this transition with:
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- No-cosigner student loans that cover more than tuition—living expenses, certifications, and even laptops
- Access to Path2Success, a career support tool with OPT- and H-1B-friendly job filters
- Resume and interview prep tailored to F-1 visa job seekers
- Career content that walks through the CPT → OPT → H-1B transition with timelines and checklists
- No-cosigner student loans that cover more than tuition—living expenses, certifications, and even laptops
This phase isn’t just about staying afloat—it’s about making strategic moves. With the right tools and flexibility, you can enter the workforce with more focus and less stress.
Planning ahead: Navigating the H-1B lottery and beyond
The H-1B visa is a common next step after OPT, allowing international graduates to work in the U.S. for up to six years in a specialty occupation. But it’s a competitive process, with a lottery system and strict deadlines.
Employers submit registrations in March, and selections are made soon after. If selected, you begin work under H-1B status on October 1. If not selected, you may still continue working under STEM OPT if you’re eligible and within the timeline.
This is why the OPT and STEM OPT windows are so valuable—they give you multiple attempts to enter the lottery while continuing to work legally.
To prepare:
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- Target companies that sponsor H-1B and have strong immigration support.
- Use your CPT and OPT time to build long-term value and become indispensable.
- Track timelines carefully—missing a date can mean losing work authorization.
- Target companies that sponsor H-1B and have strong immigration support.
Career success as an international student starts with timing
Each stage of your visa journey builds toward the next. What you do during CPT impacts your options during OPT. What you achieve during OPT shapes your chances for H-1B. It’s all connected—and the more intentional you are, the stronger your path becomes.
By staying organized, choosing employers carefully, and making use of support systems—like university advisors, mentors, and organizations like MPOWER—you can turn each step into progress toward a lasting career.
