What are the Common Differences Between OPT and CPT?

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

OPT allows students to gain hands-on training in their field of study while still working towards their degree or after graduation. When admitted to an OPT, students are competent to legally work in the US without a work permit or other form of visa.

Knowing the difference between an OPT and a CPT can be pretty confusing for some students, and the same was true for me years ago. So in this article, I will do one crucial thing and expatiate what these terms are about their differences.

OPTs have two types

Pre-completion OPT: This type allows students to work up to 20 hours a week while still enrolled in school. 

Post-completion OPT: This enables recent graduates to work full-time for up to 12 months in the US without another visa.

STEM OPT: This is a 24-month extension that allowed some STEM majors to extend their post-completion OPT.Â

Optional hands-on training can be taken for up to 12 months, while there are extensions for those studying science, technology, engineering, and math areas. To be eligible for the 24-month extension, they have already granted the student the OPT and completed their graduation. If they meet these needs, they can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, which, if approved, will grant an extra 24 months to work in the U.S. without another visa.

What is Practical Curriculum Training (CPT)?

The CPT meets the student's program requirements for experience in the student's field of study. The needs, therefore, are a bit more severe compared to OPT. For example, they must list the employer on the student's I-20, and the training must occur before the program ends. Many educational programs need students to gain hands-on experience before graduation, often through internships or apprenticeships.

There are two options available for CPT:

1. Part-time CPT enables students to work for up to 20 hours per week.
2. Full-time CPT enables students to work for more than 20 hours per week.

What are the differences between OPT and CPT?

The main difference between OPT and CPT is the length of time you are eligible for these programs and the type of work allowed in each program.

It's possible to finish OPT before or after graduation, whereas CPT must be completed before graduation. Employment at CPT is part of its core curriculum, which allows students to work in a paid or unpaid internship, internship, or cooperative education (co-op) program.

CPT must be required for your course; if not, you must earn course credit. Only a few employers participate in the CPT. Alternatively, OPT is non-employer specific and allows work, not an internship or co-op, and you don't need to earn course credit.

A Gateway to Real-World Experience

Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a program designed for F-1 visa holders in the United States. This initiative permits eligible international students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. OPT is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and its primary purpose is to enhance students' knowledge and skills while providing valuable work experience.

OPT allows students to work in positions directly related to their major area of study, ensuring that the work experience complements their academic pursuits. It can be utilized during or after the completion of a degree program, providing students with flexibility and opportunities to apply their classroom learning to real-world scenarios.

Key Features of OPT

Duration: OPT offers a standard duration of 12 months. However, students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension.

Eligibility: To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled in a full-time academic program in the United States for at least one academic year.

Application Process: International students must apply for OPT through their designated school official (DSO) and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.

Work Authorization: OPT provides full-time work authorization during post-completion OPT and part-time authorization during the academic year (while classes are in session).

Delving into CPT

CPT: A Hands-On Learning Experience

Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, is another program designed to offer international students practical work experience. However, CPT differs from OPT in significant ways, primarily regarding the timing and nature of the employment opportunity.

CPT is closely tied to a student's academic program and is intended to provide practical experience directly related to the student's course of study. Unlike OPT, which can be utilized both during and after a degree program, CPT is typically used during the course of study as part of the curriculum.

Key Features of CPT

Timing: CPT is designed for employment that is an integral part of the student's established curriculum. It can be authorized for part-time or full-time employment, depending on the academic requirements.

Eligibility: To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in the United States. Additionally, the student's academic program must require practical training.

Application Process: Students must receive authorization from their DSO to engage in CPT. The DSO will issue an updated Form I-20, reflecting the CPT authorization.

Work Authorization: CPT provides work authorization that is specific to the employer and dates of employment as authorized on the Form I-20.

Key Distinctions Between OPT and CPT

Now that we have explored the individual aspects of OPT and CPT, let's draw a clear line between these two programs based on key differentiators:

Timing of Work Experience

OPT: Available both during and after the completion of the academic program.

CPT: Typically used during the course of study as part of the curriculum.

Duration of Work Authorization

OPT: Offers a standard duration of 12 months, extendable to 24 months for certain STEM fields.

CPT: Provides work authorization specific to the employer and dates of employment as authorized on the Form I-20.

Eligibility Criteria

OPT: Requires one academic year of full-time study and is not limited to programs requiring practical training.

CPT: Requires one academic year of full-time study and mandates that the student's academic program necessitate practical training.

Application Process

OPT: Application is made directly to USCIS, resulting in an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

CPT: Authorization is granted by the Designated School Official (DSO), who issues an updated Form I-20.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time Work

OPT: Allows for both full-time and part-time work authorization, with different rules during the academic year and post-completion.

CPT: Can be used for part-time or full-time employment, depending on the academic requirements and program design.

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