CPT vs OPT: What’s the difference?
Excerpt The blog provides an overview of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which are work authorization options for international students studying in the United States. It explains the key differences between CPT and OPT, including their eligibility criteria, types, and application processes. The document also covers topics such as the STEM OPT extension, Cap-Gap extension, and handling job-related scenarios while on OPT. Overall, the document aims to guide international students on navigating these work authorization options to gain relevant work experience during and after their studies. Are you planning to study in the US or have arrived in the States to pursue your higher education? Congratulations on your exciting journey ahead! However, we understand you’ve started searching for ways to gain relevant work experience while studying. Fret not, as we introduce you to the two superstars of student work authorisation – CPT and OPT. Think of CPT as your internship wingman and OPT as your career launchpad. So if you plan to know how you can gain work experience in the best possible way in the US, don’t worry, we will explain everything in a snap! Understanding CPT and OPT Curricular Practical Training (CPT) permits students enrolled in F-1 status to undertake work directly related to their curriculum, and this may include practices such as internships, cooperative education or any other practical training offered by a sponsoring employer in association with the students’ college/university. With no restriction of working 20 hours/week, students can even work full time while training. Note: In order to qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 visa holder and have completed a full year studying at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified university. Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides international students with the opportunity to work in the US for up to 12 months. STEM graduates can avail a 24-month extension on their OPT. Note: Students at each level in their academic journey can apply for 12 months of OPT. Types of OPT Pre-completion OPT Students studying in any US institution certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), are eligible to avail the pre-completion OPT. However, they must complete one full year studying in any institution in the US. Students authorised to avail the pre-completion OPT can work up to 20 hours a week while the school is in session or work full-time when the school is not in session. If your employer wishes to extend your employment, you will need to switch from an F-1 visa to an H-1B visa. Note: The duration availed for pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Post-completion OPT Students may choose to apply for post-completion OPT after successfully completing their program. All students are required to work for at least 20 hours a week or full-time, if authorised. Note: Students in STEM fields can apply for a 24-month extension on their post-completion OTP. STEM OPT Extension If you are studying at a US institution to secure a degree in courses like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you are eligible to opt for a 24 months extension for your OPT. To avail the extension, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria: Cap-Gap Extension A Cap-Gap extension helps you extend the tenure between the end of your F-1 visa and the start of your H-1B status. Key Differences between CPT and OPT To highlight the major difference between CPT and OPT, it’s essential for students to understand when they are eligible for either of the trainings. To put it in simple terms, CPT needs to be completed before the completion of their course, while OPT can be completed before or after their graduation. Let’s have a look at some of the other aspects to understand how CPT and OPT differ! CPT OPT Purpose To permit F-1 students to gain practical experience before graduating To permit F-1 students to gain practical experience after graduating Authorised by Requires permission from ISS (International Social Service) and the academic department Requires permission from USCIS (US government) Employment Duration Up to 12 months 12 months and can be extended up to 24 months Application Fee No application fee required An application fee of $410 should be paid to the USCIS Employment Type Part-time during school (20 hours per week) Full-time during break (40 hours per week) Full-time post graduation General Eligibility For CPT Training must relate to the student’s field of study The CPT should be authorised by the DSO in SEVIS The training should start before the end date of the program The training opportunity must be secured before authorising CPT For OPT Training must relate to the student’s field of study The student’s DSO must recommend OPT in SEVIS The student must not secure training before the DSO recommends OPT Documents Required for CPT and OPT Documents Required for CPT Documents Required for OPT CPT online workshop completion certificate 2 passport-size photographs Academic recommendation form I-765 (original) Copy of present I-20 Present passport’s copy In-depth description of training by your employer A printout of I-94 Print out of electronic form I-94 Copy of OPT recommendation and I-20 Copy of all the earlier issued I-20s Any earlier issued EAD cards’ copies F-1 visa stamp’s copy on passport How to Apply for CPT? To apply for your CPT, the steps would vary as per your university. However, some of the basic steps for the application include: Connect with the DSO at your university to know about the CPT options available at your institution, the requirements and the sponsoring employers. Secure an offer letter from your employer with all the necessary details. Ensure applying timely to the CPT program through your university with all the required documents. Once your CPT application is approved, you will have to sign a formal document with the training start and end date and safely keep a copy with you. Connect with your employer and share the relevant CPT