For many international students, CPT/OPT is a familiar term, and a growing number of students aspire to acquire practical professional skills and work experience during their studies in the United States. Good internship work experience will directly help students’ future career development. Therefore, it’s necessary to understand the differences and important information about CPT and OPT in order to start studying in the United States better. We will explain the difference between the two in detail and what to pay attention to when applying.
What is OPT?
Opt Meaning
Optional Practical Training, OPT abbreviation, is an off-campus work permit granted by USCIS(United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). It allows international students with F-1 visas to work in the United States after graduation. The application for OPT is first approved by the university, then by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and finally, OPT qualification is obtained.
Types of OPT
- Pre-completion OPT
refers to the OPT foreign students apply for before completing their degree program. As long as students continue to enroll in courses for the next semester, students may apply for a work placement of up to 20 hours per week during the holidays or classes within 90 days before the end of the semester. At the same time, the time of pre-completion OPT will also be counted toward the student’s total OPT time.
2. Post-completion OPT
refers to the OPT that foreign students apply for after completing their studies. It is the best choice for most international students. They can legally work in the United States with OPT for one year after graduation, and the full-time work requirement is not less than 20 hours per week.
However, If you already have Pre-Completion OPT experience, USCIS will deduct your prior Pre-Completion OPT time from the Post-Completion OPT time limit.
Students can start their application up to 90 days before finishing their degree. It’s important to note that students must leave the United States if they have not applied for OPT within 60 days of graduation. If students get jobs during the OPT period, they can apply for an H1B visa to work legally in the United States and consider finding affordable accommodation and settling down in America.
OPT Eligibility
Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study.
DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS.
The student must not secure training before the DSO can recommend an OPT.
Current F-1 student status in the United States.
Be registered in the United States for at least one academic year.
Full-time CPT has not been used for more than one year.
- The equivalent degree OPT has not been used before.
Students are eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT authorization when they change to a higher educational level.
How to Get an OPT?
- Consult your university’s International Student Services Office and fill in the relevant OPT full form of application.
- Apply to the Office of International Students for a new I-20 with an OPT approval on it.
- Prepare application materials according to the checklist provided by the school, and then mail all materials to USCIS.
- Once the OPT is approved, you will receive an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS.
What is CPT?
CPT Meaning
Curricular Practical Training, the CPT abbreviation, differs from the OPT definition. It allows international students with F-1 visas to receive job training and paid internships that are directly related to their field of expertise. Students must complete the relevant activities included in the CPT before graduation.
Types of CPT
1. Required
A CPT internship is an integral part of a student’s ability to complete their studies or earn a degree, regardless of whether the CPT provides credit or not.
2. Not Required
The training is not required for the students’ degree program, but the CPT internship is important and can be transferred to credit.
1. Part-Time CPT
The working time of a full-time student is 20 hours or less per week. A Part-Time CPT will be noted on a student’s SEVIS I-20 work authorization, and students should note that they must remain the status of full-time students.
2. Full-Time CPT
The working time of a full-time student is more than 20 hours per week. Students usually participate in this type of CPT during summer vacations. If it is a Full-Time CPT, it is also necessary to guarantee full-time study to ensure the student’s legitimate F1 student status.
CPT Eligibility
- Applicants with valid F-1 visas must complete 9 months of full-time study before they are eligible to apply for CPT.
- The DSO authorized CPT in SEVIS and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20.
Occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20.
Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific time period.
Students must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized.
CPT for international students must be authorized before the student can begin work.
Students meeting CPT requirements can have more than one CPT authorization simultaneously.
One year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT.
How to Apply for CPT?
- Get a job that must be directly related to your major, and then get a job letter from your employer.
- Contact the instructor or advisor to confirm the CPT course code, earn credits through CPT, and sign the CPT application form.
- Submit a CPT application to the International Student Office.
- After the CPT application is approved, ISSS will issue a new I-20 with the CPT Work Permit approval on the second page.
What is the Difference between CPT and OPT?
There are many differences between OPT and CPT. Our chart below provides a quick guide to understanding the OPT/CPT difference.
| Iterms | CPT | OPT |
|---|---|---|
| Preconditions | Find the intern job | Complete degree program |
| Service time | Before graduation(summer vacation/school time) | Pre-Completion OPT(school time/vacation time) Post-Completion OPT(full-time job) |
| Working hours | Full-time working hours ≥ 20 hours per week Part-time working hours ≤ 20 hours per week |
Working hours ≤ 20 hours per week |
| Related course registeration | Students must enroll in courses related to employment or experience | No course registration required |
| Semester-specific restrictions | CPT is authorized by semester only, i.e. fall, spring or summer CPT |
No Semester-specific restrictions |
| Employer required | Students may only work for employers listed on the student’s I-20 form and SEVIS |
Students can work for any employer as long as the position is related to their field of study |
| Authorized party | International Student and Scholar Services(ISSS) Designated School Official (DSO) |
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| Processing time | 5-7 working days | 1-3 months |
| Validity | Work only within the time frame recommended by CPT on Form I-20 and allowed in SEVIS |
Work within the validity period of the EAD card |
| Internship extension of a STEM major | No | Yes, extend for 24 months |
Conclusion
CPT and OPT can offer invaluable opportunities for gaining practical work experience in students’ fields of study, enhancing their professional skills, and boosting their employability in an increasingly competitive job market. With our guide to the definitions, eligibility requirements, and application procedures of CPT and OPT, you can make informed decisions that align with your career aspirations. Whether you’re in the early stages of your academic journey or nearing the completion of your studies, this comprehensive blog will equip you with the knowledge needed to leverage CPT and OPT effectively and unlock your full career potential.
FAQ
What's the difference between CPT and OPT?
CPT is tied to students’ academic curriculum and must be related to their major, while OPT is more flexible and can be done before or after completing their degree. Unlike CPT, OPT does not require a job offer to apply.
Can international students do CPT and OPT?
Yes.
International students can participate in both CPT and OPT, but specific guidelines must be adhered to. For students keen on extensive work experience, a combination of part-time CPT during studies and OPT post-graduation might offer an optimal pathway.
How long can you work on CPT?
Part-time CPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week, while with a full-time CPT permit, students can work more than 20 hours per week. One thing should be noted if one engages in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, he is not eligible for OPT.
Is CPT paid or unpaid?
In most cases, CPT is paid. Students can receive valuable work experience and salaries or hourly wages, helpful with their tuition and living expenses.
Sometimes, CPT is unpaid. It only provides students with the necessary experience and skills in their field. Unpaid CPT must comply with U.S. employment regulations, aligning with students’ academic goals and preventing exploitation.
Can I work 40 hours on CPT?
Yes, you can work 40 hours on full-time CPT.
Part-time CPT allows up to 20 hours per week, while full-time CPT allows up to 40 hours per week. Full-time CPT requires students to maintain full-time status during the academic year.
