CPT vs OPT: Meaning, Difference, and How to Apply

 
The USA has always been a popular study destination among international students for its wide variety of courses and post-study work opportunities. While studying, one of the main concerns of every international student is to find possible opportunities to put theory into practice and earn money to support them financially.

Fortunately, the US allows students to apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), practical training programs which allow students to gain work experience during and after the completion of their course.

Understand the Benefits of OPT and CPT in the USA

In order to participate in co-ops, internships, part-time or full-time jobs, international students require authorization from the concerned authorities. Such authorization options are granted by either the school’s international office or USCIS ( United States Citizenship & Immigration Services) in the form of OPT, CPT or on-campus employment.

What is CPT?
CPT or Curricular Practical Training is a temporary work authorization for international students to work while actively studying. It is given to students holding an F-1 student visa to help them gain practical training through paid/unpaid internships or co-op programs relating to their major field of study. It is employer-specific training that a student must complete prior to graduation. The key thing to note here is that if students work full-time for 12 months under CPT, they will lose their eligibility to apply for OPT. 

What are the options for CPT?

• Part-time, allowing students to work for 20 hours or less within a week.
• Full-time, allowing students to work beyond 20 hours a week. 
  

Guidelines for CPT

• The student must be a holder of an F-1 student visa.
• Students must be enrolled in a full-time course with a minimum length of one academic year.
• Students must have a declared major and be enrolled full-time to get their preferred internship.
• Since CPT is employer-specific, the student must provide a letter of agreement from the employer, meeting the requirements of the institution for the relevant course.

How to apply for CPT? 

It is important to confirm one's eligibility and requirements before applying for CPT. Students need to inquire about the internship course credit policy from their academic advisor. The key requirement is to find an internship or job offer. Apply after carefully filling in the advisor and student sections of the application. 

What is OPT? 

OPT or Optional Practical Training is a flexible training program directly relating to the significant area of study of an international student holding an F1 visa. OPT allows students to work full-time for up to 12 months which can extend to 17 months if the student is pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

What are the options for OPT?

• Pre-completion OPT- Begins before the completion of the program. This period is then later deducted from the 12 months of OPT eligibility.
• Post-completion OPT- Begins after the course completion and is the most preferred option for students.
• STEM OPT- This is a 24-month extension allowed to some STEM majors to extend their post-completion OPT. 

Guidelines for OPT

• Students can only apply to jobs related to their area of study.
• Students are eligible to apply for OPT upon completion of their first academic year. 
• Students are eligible to apply for OPT before or after the completion of their course duration. However, it should be noted that students can only work 20 hours or fewer per week if the classes are in session.
• To apply for OPT, a student must be enrolled in a full-time course for at least one academic year.
• To work in the US, international students must contact their Designated School Official (DSO) to provide them with the correct information and steps to begin working while studying. 

How to apply for OPT?

Students must make a request to DSO (Designated School Official) to recommend the OPT. The DSO will then recommend it by endorsing the I-20 form. Students must file form I-765 along with the required fee and the supporting documentation as given in the form instructions. 

Difference between CPT and OPT 

Here are some of the key differences that students should be aware of:

Documents Required for OPT and CPT

What is STEM OPT Extension?

 An OPT extension of 24 months is granted to students pursuing degree in any STEM course or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is a period of temporary training relating directly to an F-1 student’s program of study. Such an extension allows students to gain work experience needed to properly understand the practical application of the subject.

STEM OPT Extension Eligibility

To qualify for the 24-month STEP OPT extension, students must fulfill the following criteria:

• Student must have F-1 international student status.
  
• Student must be in the STEM OPT period.
  
• Student must be a holder of a bachelor’s or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field in US.
  
• The employer must be using the e-verify program.
  
• Both the employer and the employee must sign Form I-893, also known as ‘Training Plan for STEM OPT Students’.

Interested to learn more about studying in the USA? Visit your nearest Canam office today for a free counseling session with experts, or book a virtual slot by visiting the website.