Can friend apply for OPT while working on CPT in his final sem?

[sumitseocastell]

HI,

I have a question whether my friend is eligible to apply for OPT while working on CPT in his last semester.

He told me that he heard somewhere that they cannot apply for OPT until out CPT program ends. DID anyone applied for OPT while working on CPT...
And also do they need to have a payroll running on his social security while he is on CPT?

[Thien Ngo]

HI,

I have a question whether my friend is eligible to apply for OPT while working on CPT in his last semester.

He told me that he heard somewhere that they cannot apply for OPT until out CPT program ends. DID anyone applied for OPT while working on CPT...
And also do they need to have a payroll running on his social security while he is on CPT?

No you do not need to wait. I am doing CPT and was just approved for the I-765 application to get EAD card for OPT.

And for the payroll, you do not need them as well. For CPT, it can be anything, volunteer, work for hire, paid or unpaid.

However, for OPT you have to be paid to consider having employment.

[RSAUSA]

Hello friends
Does anyone have any further feedback on this?
My school says I cant apply for OPT until my CPT year is done