Denied OPT -- does part-time CPT count against 12 mo limit?

[shashaniwoosh]

I applied for OPT and was shocked that my application was denied. My school had advised me that I can not exceed 12 months of full time CPT and that I can engage in unlimited part-time CPT as long as I am enrolled. I engaged in 9 months of full time CPT and roughly 6 months of part-time CPT. However, USCIS came back to me and counted both full-time and part-time CPT (which equals 13.5 months) and cited that since I have gone over 12 months of CPT, I am ineligible to receive OPT.

I've looked at a few other schools and immigration sites who say that part-time CPT does not count against OPT -- can anybody cite which law this was taken from? I have 2 weeks to settle contest this ruling before I have to pack up and leave. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[shashaniwoosh]

I applied for OPT and was shocked that my application was denied. My school had advised me that I can not exceed 12 months of full time CPT and that I can engage in unlimited part-time CPT as long as I am enrolled. I engaged in 9 months of full time CPT and roughly 6 months of part-time CPT. However, USCIS came back to me and counted both full-time and part-time CPT (which equals 13.5 months) and cited that since I have gone over 12 months of CPT, I am ineligible to receive OPT.

I've looked at a few other schools and immigration sites who say that part-time CPT does not count against OPT -- can anybody cite which law this was taken from? I have 2 weeks to settle contest this ruling before I have to pack up and leave. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Hudson]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by shashaniwoosh:
I applied for OPT and was shocked that my application was denied. My school had advised me that I can not exceed 12 months of full time CPT and that I can engage in unlimited part-time CPT as long as I am enrolled. I engaged in 9 months of full time CPT and roughly 6 months of part-time CPT. However, USCIS came back to me and counted both full-time and part-time CPT (which equals 13.5 months) and cited that since I have gone over 12 months of CPT, I am ineligible to receive OPT.

I've looked at a few other schools and immigration sites who say that part-time CPT does not count against OPT -- can anybody cite which law this was taken from? I have 2 weeks to settle contest this ruling before I have to pack up and leave. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
OPT was denied because you were engaged in OPT while you were in school for more than 12 months. YOu could have done CPT, different from OPT, which could have helped you in your future career. Or you were eligible for on campus work that is not OPT. You would be limited to about 20 hours per week for on campus work. You either filled out the form wrong or your school was going on "tradition" instead of the law. Either way, you may want to follow the steps in the denial letter if you want reconsideration. And OPT can be either part tiem or full time employment. But once you filed the I-765 for OPT and it was approved, the days start counting in any job experience off campus.

[Mrs. B.]

Hi,

What is an OPT and CPT?

[ProudUSC]

Mrs. B.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)

[Jeanine]

Hudson: he/she said that "he" was doing CPT, not OPT, and still got his OPT denied....

[Mrs. B.]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ProudUSC:
Mrs. B.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks ProudUSC!