you can work for less than 12 months of full time CPT. You cross 12 months and you lose the OPT. During off-school season you can have 40 hrs a week of CPT and during school-season- 20 hrs of CPT. Gud luck.  F-1 visa holders have a maximum of 12 months of OPT available to them for each level of higher education.  The amount of CPT is not limited by the immigration regulations.  • CPT must fall into one of the two categories of eligibility listed on the reverse side of this form.  You can work anywhere within your academic field on OPT.  • CPT is authorized through OIE.  OPT is authorized through the immigration service.  • Students who have received one year or more of full-time CPT are NOT eligible for OPT.  Part-time curricular practical training (20 hours or less a week) is not counted toward the one-year threshold at which the student loses eligibility for Optional Practical Training. 

ark · Apr 14, 2011 7:12 PM

Thanks ark for your reply. They are offering me 9 month job postion which should be full time. Can I work 40 hours per week during the school season? I have heard of some people doing so, but I am not sure about the whole process. Thanks. आधिखोले

aandhikhole · Apr 15, 2011 10:59 AM

Most of the time Yes you can, but some school might have restriction (I have seen it depends upon your major also) so its good to know the school beforehand

khoikkhoik · Apr 15, 2011 11:04 AM

 the best thing to do is to contact international services office at your school, they'll tell you everything in detail and will also start the process of CPT endorsement. I just got my CPT approved (for and internship). Good luck!

Drkanchho · Apr 15, 2011 12:25 PM

 during school season you can work for up to 20 hrs. well if u r in final semester where do not have any classes but thesis only, u may work for more than 20 hrs a week. 

ark · Apr 15, 2011 12:37 PM