What is the difference between the OPT & CPT?

The most important questions in mind every student go to USA studying is the work opportunities that are available there.

There are one questions in every student in mind what is the difference between opt and cpt?

Many international students get a confusing difference between OPT and CPT. to solve this the misconception in their mind below is the Difference between OPT vs CPT which will clarify the clear meaning of each term.

Firstly one needs to know about what is CPT and OPT

 CPT is defined as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”

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

What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?

The OPT allows students to gain practical training within their field of study while still working towards their degree, or after they have graduated. When students are enrolled in an OPT, they are able to legally work within the US without the need of a workers permit or another type of visa.

There are two types of OPT:

Pre Completion OPT: 

Allows students to work up to 20 hours a week while still enrolled in school.

Nevertheless, students can work full time, when the universities/schools are not in session; an F-1 student can start pre-completion OPT only after receiving approval from USCIS.

Pro Completion OPT: 

OPT allows recent graduates to work full time for up to 12 months in the US without the need for another visa.

However, it should be noted that the periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the periods of Post-Completion OPT.

What is CPT (Curricular Practical Training)?

CPT must be completed before graduating. In addition, CPT can be part-time (20 hours or less a week) or full time (20 hours or more a week). Although, if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT.

However, CPT cannot be used once you’ve completed your course of study. This is when you’d be needed to use the OPT.

For more information on the benefits of CPTInternship, including how to apply, check out our complete guide here!

Difference between Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), OPT vs CPT:

Optional Practical Training (OPT):-

What it is:

Temporary employment authorization for F1 visa holders to gain experience related to their field of study.

OPT is a one-year work permit given to students after completing a degree program in the US.

Students Status:

Must be a full-time student for at least one academic year.

Processing Time:

Typically 2-3 months

Employer Eligibility:

Student can work for any employer as long as the work is relevant to the field of study.

Authorization:

ISSS must authorize CPT through issuing a new I-20 with OPT recommendation.

Length of training:

Up to 12 months in total.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

What it is:

Temporary employment authorization for F1 visa holders to complete a program requirement.

Student status:

Must be a full-time student for at least one academic year.

Processing time:

5-7 business days

Employer Eligibility:

An employer must be listed on the student’s I-20 and in SEVIS.

Authorization:

ISSS must authorize CPT through issuing a new I-20 with CPT recommendation.

No USCIS authorization required.

Length of Training:

No max, however working for over 12 months on CPT eliminates your eligibility for OPT.

To continue your education/job journey, these additional resources will be helpful:

Grace Periods - International Student 

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