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Can I apply for CPT or OPT if the job is related to my minor?

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May 27, 2025
For students & alumniCareer advice
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Can I apply for CPT or OPT if the job is related to my minor? This is a common question for international students exploring internships or job opportunities in the US under F-1 work authorization.

While CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are both designed to support hands-on experience in your field of study, the key eligibility requirement is that the job must be directly related to your major, not your minor. However, there are a few important nuances and exceptions worth understanding.

Why CPT and OPT must relate to your major

CPT and OPT are not general work permits. They are designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world setting in a way that directly supports your major. CPT is typically used while you’re still enrolled in school, and OPT is commonly used after graduation for full-time employment.

Under US federal regulations, any job or internship you take through CPT or OPT must have a clear and direct connection to your major. That connection needs to be well-documented and academically relevant.

Interstride tip!

Learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students and how to apply for each.

What “related to your major” really means

To qualify for CPT or OPT, your job or internship must have a clear and direct connection to your academic major. That means it must help you develop the skills, knowledge, or experience outlined in your academic program. A job based on your minor, electives, or personal interests does not meet this requirement, even if it seems relevant to your long-term goals.

Your Designated School Official (DSO) is responsible for reviewing the job description and confirming whether the position meets federal guidelines. Be prepared to provide details about the role and how it aligns with your major.

What your job must demonstrate:

  • It supports your academic learning objectives.
  • It aligns with the required coursework or learning outcomes of your major.
  • It clearly connects to the training and knowledge you’re expected to gain from your degree program.

Qualifying examples

Non-qualifying examples

These roles are directly related to the student’s major and are likely to be approved for CPT or OPT:

  • Marketing major interning at a social media agency – This internship supports core marketing skills such as branding, digital strategy, and audience research.
  • Software engineering major developing apps for a party planning company –
    Even though the company’s industry is unrelated, the technical work aligns with the software engineering major.
These roles are not directly related to the student’s major and would likely not be approved:

  • Biology major with a music minor working at a music studio – The job connects to the minor, not the major. There is no direct tie to biology coursework.
  • Math major working as a nonprofit project manager – Unless the position involves applied math, analytics, or statistical modeling, it does not meet the requirement of being major-related.

What if you have a double major?

If you’re pursuing a double major, you can apply for CPT or OPT based on either major. You may also be able to complete separate internships or jobs for each major, as long as you stay within the total limits for the work authorization.

Interstride tip! 

These limits refer to the amount of time you’re allowed to work under CPT or OPT, not the number of hours per week. For example, you are allowed up to 12 months of full-time OPT per degree level. If you exceed 12 months of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for OPT. It’s important to track how much time you’ve used under each authorization type to avoid unintentionally running out of eligibility.

For example, if you’re majoring in economics and computer science, you might complete one internship at an investment firm and another at a technology company. Each experience must clearly relate to one of your majors and meet all eligibility requirements.

This flexibility does not apply to minors. Even if a job perfectly matches your minor, it won’t qualify unless it also relates to one of your official majors. Minors are considered supplementary and do not carry the same weight in immigration regulations.

Interstride tip!

If one of your majors is a STEM major, you may also be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months of post-completion OPT.

Choose your major with your career goals in mind

Minors are a great way to explore other interests and build additional skills, but they don’t qualify you for work authorization on their own. When it comes to CPT and OPT, your major is what matters most. 

If you’re still early in your academic journey or considering switching majors, take time to reflect on the kind of work experience you hope to gain in the US. Choosing the right major can open the door to more relevant job opportunities and help you make the most of your time and training.

Before accepting any internship or job, talk to your DSO. They’ll help you confirm whether the position qualifies for CPT or OPT and guide you through the approval process. Taking these steps early can help you stay on track with both your academic and professional goals.

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