Can I work full-time on CPT before graduating from my US degree?

Yes, F-1 students can work full-time on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) before graduating, but with an important caveat:

Full-time CPT is permitted:
Full-time CPT is defined as more than 20 hours per week. This is allowed while enrolled as a student, provided your university's academic programme permits it (e.g., a co-op programme or a semester-long internship course).

The critical OPT rule:
If you use 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you permanently lose your OPT eligibility. This means you cannot use OPT after graduation.

Part-time CPT has no such limitation: Using part-time CPT (20 hours/week or less) for any duration does not affect OPT eligibility.

When full-time CPT makes sense:
- Your programme requires a co-op or year in industry as a graduation requirement
- You are accepted to a well-paid, high-quality full-time internship that significantly advances your career
- You plan to stay in the USA and rely on H-1B sponsorship rather than OPT, or your employer will sponsor you directly

When to avoid full-time CPT:
- If you plan to use OPT's 12 months (or 36 months with STEM extension) after graduation to job-hunt and build US work history
- OPT is often more flexible than CPT — keep it available

Practical example:
Many students use two part-time CPT internships during their degree, preserving OPT eligibility. Others do a year-long co-op (12 months full-time CPT) and give up OPT in exchange for guaranteed full-time professional experience.

Discuss with your DSO and consider your long-term immigration strategy before committing to full-time CPT.