One of the most common questions students have while going to the US to study is about the work opportunities that are available there. Two options for international students in the US are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is for internship purposes, and OPT is for post-study work.
However, since the regulations of both these programs are similar, students often need clarification. Therefore, here are some distinctions between the two programs.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical experience directly related to their major through employment, paid or unpaid internships, or cooperative (co-op) education. It must be part of an established curriculum.
Students can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours) or less per week, earn in US dollars, and gain work experience in their area of interest.
CPT is employer-specific and must be completed before graduation, as candidates can do part-time or full-time jobs. One significant point to note is that if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT.
Documents Required for CPT
CPT online workshop completion certificate
Academic recommendation form
An in-depth description of training by your employer
Copy of present I-20
Print out of electronic form I-94
Eligibility for CPT
Possess an F1 status
Be enrolled for one academic year before the employment begins
Be carrying a particular employment offer that meets the requirements of the institution for the relevant course
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. OPT allows international students with an F-1 Visa to work up to 12 months in their area of study. Eligible students can apply for OPT employment authorization before completing their studies (pre-condition) or after completing their studies (post-completion).
Although students are allowed to work for 12 months, students with a STEM degree can extend it to 17 months. Moreover, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Usually, you're not permitted to do a job in a country without relevant documents of which you are not a citizen. So if you're an international student in the US, you won't be allowed to work there without the same. OPT is, therefore, mandatory.
Documents Required for OPT
Applicants are recommended to approach the international office at their respective institutions directly to get details regarding the documents required. But generally, the below-mentioned documents may be relevant:
2 passport-size photographs
I-765 (original)
Present passport copy
A printout of I-94
US$380 (subject to change) personal check which should be addressed to the department of homeland security
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
Eligibility for OPT
Possess an F1 status
Be enrolled full-time for one academic year before the employment begins
Not have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT
Differences between
CPT and OPT
| CPT | OPT |
Purpose | CPT allows an F-1 student to work in a company to get practical experience before graduation | OPT allows an F-1 student to gain practical experience in the same field after completing graduation |
Requirements | Working on CPT is part of a candidate’s degree requirements
| OPT is not related to a candidate’s degree requirements |
Organization of Training | When the student is enrolled | After graduation |
Training Host | Requires consent from ISS and the academic department | Needs consent from USCIS (US government) |
Application Mode | Online | Paper |
Employment Duration | CPT can be done for up to 12 months | The duration of OPT is 12 months which can be extended up to 24 months |
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | The student does not get EAD from USCIS in CPT | Students working on OPT will get EAD from USCIS after getting approval for OPT |
Application Fee | CPT does not have any application fee | A student working on an OPT should pay an application fee of $410 to USCIS |
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