Difference between OPT and CPT

As an international student on an F1 visa, you must understand your eligibility to work in the US and familiarize yourself with the tricky employment landscape. This blog will help you understand the immigration rules and regulations and assist you in filing paperwork to secure the internship which will arm you with rich professional experience with a top employer.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are the two terms that you may keep hearing as you move forward in this process. Students must seek the help of their school’s careers services office and the designated school official (DSO) who can aid them in finding a job and internship opportunity. Students must be aware of their degree school’s CPT and OPT deadlines in addition to the US government’s rules. CPT must be completed before you graduate from your program and OPT can be completed before or after you graduate.

Curricular Practical Training

All international students with an F1 student visa who are seeking work through paid internship programs must first secure their CPT authorization ahead of applying for their internships. The school DSO where you attend your degree program will authorize CPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) and it will be printed on your I-20 form. The DSO authorized CPT status makes you eligible for CPT employment opportunities in your major area of study. Get in touch with the school DSO to learn more information.

CPT Employment Terms and Conditions

CPT requires a letter from the employer and the employment period specifically mentioned.
CPT must be completed before graduation. CPT work status allows the student

a) Full time work for 20 hours or more per week

b) Part time work for 20 hours or less per week (if you work full time for 12 months with CPT, you will not be eligible for OPT)

Optional Practical Training

All international students with an F1 student visa who are seeking work after completing their degree programs must first secure their OPT authorization ahead of applying for jobs. The DSO will recommend OPT (applicable for graduate and master’s degrees) and provide an I-20 form. The student must send a completed Form-I-765 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for approval. Once the Form I-765 is approved, USCIS.gov will send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Note you must only start work from the start date stated in the EAD.

Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT

F1 student visa holders can choose to apply for either Pre-completion OPT or Post-completion OPT.

Pre-completion OPT	Post-completion OPT
Apply after completing 01 academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. Work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time before your program ends.	Apply after completing the degree program Work part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full time. If you already participated in pre-completion OPT, USCIS will deduct your pre-completion OPT time from your post-completion OPT authorization time.

STEM OPT Extension

Students can request and apply for a 24-month OPT extension

a) If they obtained a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field approved by DHS.gov
b) Currently working in a Post-Completion OPT period
c) Working (or planning to work) for an employer who uses the E-Verify program
d) You and your employer have signed Form I-983- Training Plan for STEM OPT Students

F-1 CAP GAP EXTENSION

F1 student visa holders who want to maintain the F1 visa status post completion of their degree program or OPT can request an extension to minimize the gap between the end of the F-1 status and the start of H-1B status.

The H-1B visa can be secured once your employer submits a petition to USCIS on your behalf. H-1B visa status is a temporary employment authorization that allows you to work in the US for up to six years.

FAQ’s

Does CPT Affect OPT in any way ?

No, unless CPT is authorized for less than 12 months of full-time work (more than 20 hours per week). You will not be able to apply for OPT if your full-time CPT duration is 12 months. Part-time CPT (20 hours per week or less) will not be deducted from OPT.

CPT and OPT at the Same Time ?

You may be asked some probing questions about your sponsor and his profession to understand the income source to fund your academic stint in the US without any hiccups. Be ready with all the answers to state their professional details and attest concrete evidence to outline their intention to fund your studies on international soil.

Any plans to work while being a student?

Students can apply for CPT and OPT at the same time. But if you work for 12 months on full-time CPT, you cannot apply for OPT. Part-time CPT will not affect the eligibility for OPT, even if you work for more than 12 months.

CPT vs OPT Visa for Work

Students can choose between CPT and OPT based on their a) if the degree program requires an internship to graduate b) if the student plans on having more than one internship.

CPT is better for a student if they are looking for a short-term job as an undergraduate student or looking for a mandatory internship that counts as credit toward their degree. The CPT application process is free, DSO’s can confirm CPT approval within 7 days.

OPT is better if you are a graduate-level student or if you have recently graduated. The CPT application process is complex and involves the approval of USCIS.

Get in touch with your DSO to find out more information about your OPT CPT status.

How to Apply for CPT and OPT ?

CPT

OPT

Contact student advisor to learn about the CPT programs, eligibility criteria, and sponsoring employers.
Get the employment offer letter from the employer with all requisite details.
Apply to the CPT program through your school. Plan and prepare all the documents for the CPT.
Once your CPT authorization is approved, you will get a document with CPT start and end dates. Keep a signed copy of the CPT document and send it to your employer.
Begin the CPT on the date mentioned on the document.

Contact student advisor to learn about the OPT programs, eligibility criteria, and sponsoring employers.
Request school DSO for OPT recommendation. DSO will update the SEVIS and I-20 form with the recommendation.
Complete Form I-765 and pay the fee and send it to USCIS
On USCIS approval, receive your EAD.
Begin OPT program on the EAD start date.