OPT & CPT Hiring Program
Access a pipeline of highly skilled, US-educated international STEM graduates. Full E-Verify compliance, STEM OPT extension support, and H-1B transition guidance — all handled by NorthITe.
Unlock a Diverse, Highly Skilled Talent Pipeline
OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training) candidates represent some of the most motivated, technically skilled IT professionals available in the US market today.
These are graduates from US universities — many with advanced degrees from top STEM programs — who are authorized to work in the US and eager to apply their knowledge in real-world environments. NorthITe has been running one of the most established OPT/CPT hiring programs in the country since 2008.
We handle every aspect of compliance — E-Verify enrollment, work authorization verification, STEM OPT extension paperwork, and I-983 training plan documentation — so you can focus entirely on getting value from exceptional talent.
OPT/CPT Program Benefits
Understanding OPT & CPT Work Authorization
OPT — Optional Practical Training
OPT allows international F-1 students to work in the US in a job directly related to their major area of study. There are two types:
- Pre-Completion OPT: Work authorization before graduation
- Post-Completion OPT: 12 months of work authorization after graduation
- STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for STEM graduates, totaling 36 months of authorization
Most IT roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension — giving employers up to 3 years of authorization per candidate.
CPT — Curricular Practical Training
CPT is an employment authorization for F-1 students that allows them to gain practical training through internships or co-op positions directly related to their field of study while enrolled.
- Available while enrolled in their degree program
- Must be integral to the curriculum
- Can be part-time or full-time (with restrictions)
- Excellent for internships and co-op programs
CPT candidates are often excellent prospects for future OPT and permanent hire pipelines.
OPT/CPT Talent We Place Most Frequently
AI / ML Engineers
Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, LLMs, computer vision, NLP, generative AI
Cloud Engineers
AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, Terraform, cloud-native development
Data Engineers
Spark, Databricks, Snowflake, dbt, Airflow, ETL pipelines, SQL
Full Stack Developers
React, Node.js, Java, Python, Spring Boot, microservices
Cybersecurity Analysts
Security operations, vulnerability assessment, SIEM, compliance
Mobile Developers
iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter — cross-platform specialists
Database Administrators
SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, database performance
Business / Data Analysts
Power BI, Tableau, SQL, requirements gathering, stakeholder management