A friend of mine is currently in a tough situation—Saint Peter’s University (SPU) lost its SEVP eligibility, so now he has to transfer out. He’s in his first master’s program and has been using CPT to work full-time for two trimesters.
Now he’s wondering: If he transfers to another master’s program and continues working full-time on CPT for a full year, will that impact his OPT eligibility?
From what I understand, using full-time CPT for 12 months cancels out OPT eligibility, but does that rule reset if he transfers to a new school? Or does it carry over?
Would really appreciate any insights from those who have been in similar situations or have expertise in this area. Thanks in advance!
Your friend is in a tricky situation, and you’re right to be cautious about how full-time CPT usage affects OPT eligibility.
Key Rule: If a student uses 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they lose eligibility for OPT at that same degree level.
Does transferring to a new school reset this rule?
No, it does not reset just because he transfers. CPT usage carries over within the same degree level (Master’s → Master’s). So, if he has already used two trimesters (~8 months) of full-time CPT, he can only use up to 4 more months before losing OPT eligibility.
Potential Options: If OPT is a priority, he may want to limit full-time CPT usage at the new school. Consider a higher degree level (e.g., transferring to a Doctorate (DBA, PhD) program, as OPT eligibility resets at a higher degree level). Consult the DSO at his transfer school to confirm specific policies on CPT usage tracking.
Hope this helps! Let me know if he needs further clarification.
Key Rule: If a student uses 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they lose eligibility for OPT at that same degree level.
Does transferring to a new school reset this rule?
Potential Options:
If OPT is a priority, he may want to limit full-time CPT usage at the new school.
Consider a higher degree level (e.g., transferring to a Doctorate (DBA, PhD) program, as OPT eligibility resets at a higher degree level).
Consult the DSO at his transfer school to confirm specific policies on CPT usage tracking.