OPT and CPT in the US: Meaning, Differences, Eligibility, & Documents Required

If you are an international student in the US, you might have heard of OPT and CPT. These are special programs that enable you to work while studying or after completing your studies. Many students utilise OPT and CPT to gain practical work experience in their field. The full form of OPT is Optional Practical Training, and the full form of CPT is Curricular Practical Training. While both of them sound almost the same, they have their differences.

In this article, you will learn what OPT and CPT are, the difference between OPT and CPT, and what documents you need for both.

What is OPT?

The full form of OPT is Optional Practical Training. It’s an opportunity for F-1 visa students to work in the US. This work has to be related to your major at university. Many international students find the ability to work in the US as one of the biggest reasons to choose the US as a destination for higher education. 

You can use OPT in two ways:

• Pre-completion OPT: This is when you work before you graduate. You can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) during the semester or full-time (more than 20 hours a week) during school breaks.
• Post-completion OPT: This is when you work after you graduate. Most students do this. If you do this, you have to work at least 20 hours a week.

The total time you can work on OPT is usually 12 months for each level of study (like a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree). If you use pre-completion OPT, that time gets taken away from your total 12 months. For example, if you use 3 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you will have 9 months left for post-completion OPT.

So think carefully when you use your OPT. Many students choose to save their full 12 months of OPT for after they graduate. This is often a smart move because post-completion OPT is a crucial stepping stone for many international students who hope to continue working in the USA, possibly by applying for an H-1B work visa later on. 

Eligibility for OPT

• Must be an F-1 student for at least one full academic year (e.g., Fall + Spring semesters).
• Must be in good visa standing (following all rules).
• Must be physically in the USA when applying.
• Work must be directly related to your major.
• Have not used more than one year of full-time CPT during your current degree level.
• No job offer needed before applying, but must find one within 90 days (or 150 days for STEM).

OPT STEM Extension

If you study certain STEM subjects, you will get an extra 24 months of OPT. This is called the STEM OPT Extension. It means you could work for a total of 36 months (12 months regular OPT + 24 months extension) after you finish your degree. To get this extension, your degree must be on a list of STEM-designated degrees.

Here are some examples of STEM degrees:

• Master of Science in Cybersecurity – Computer Science
• Master of Science – Informations System
• Bachelor of Science – Data Science
• Bachelor of Science – Emerging Media and Technology
• Bachelor of Science – Engineering Technology (Industrial Technology)

And many more!

What is CPT?

The full form of CPT is Curricular Practical Training. It’s another way for F-1 students to get work experience in the US. The big difference is that CPT is a part of your school’s curriculum. Think of it like an internship or practical training.

With CPT, you work while you are still studying, and the work must be part of your course or degree program. Even if you’re not getting paid for the work, you still need CPT authorisation if it’s part of your studies.

CPT can be either part-time or full-time.

• Part-time CPT: This means working 20 hours or less per week. You usually do this when school is in session and you must still take a full load of classes.
• Full-time CPT: This means working more than 20 hours per week. You can usually do this during official school breaks, like the summer holidays, if you plan to return to school for the next semester. During regular semesters (Fall/Spring), full-time CPT is generally only allowed if it’s a required part of your program for all students.

Eligibility for CPT

To use CPT, you must:

• Have an F-1 student visa.
• Be a full-time student for at least one academic year (unless your course requires CPT right away).
• Have a job offer related to your major.
• Get permission from your school’s International Student Office.
• Register for a course that is connected to your CPT job.

CPT is employer-specific. This means you can only work for the employer listed on your CPT authorisation and your I-20 form.

Difference between OPT and CPT

Both OPT and CPT let you work in the US as an F-1 student. Both types of training must be directly related to your main subject of study. For both, you generally need to have completed at least one full academic year of study. But how are they different then? Let’s see.

Documents required for OPT and CPT

You need to prepare different documents for OPT and CPT.

For OPT:

• Form I-765 (application for work authorisation).
• Copy of your I-20 form (with OPT recommendation from your school).
• Copy of your passport.
• Copy of your F-1 visa.
• Copy of your most recent I-94 (arrival/departure record).
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Any previous EAD cards (if you had OPT before).
• Application fee ($470 for online, $520 for paper)

For CPT:

• Job offer letter from your employer.
• CPT request form (from your school).
• Updated I-20 form (with CPT authorisation).
• Proof of enrolment in the related course.
• Sometimes, a letter from your academic adviser

Conclusion

Now you know what OPT and CPT are. Both are great ways for international students to get work experience in the US. OPT lets you work in your field, usually after graduation, for up to 12 months (or 36 months with a STEM extension). CPT lets you work while you are still studying, but the job must be part of your course.

Remember, you must follow all the rules for OPT and CPT. Always talk to your school’s International Student Office before you start working. Working without permission can get you in big trouble with your visa.

If you want to work in the US as a student, you should know OPT and CPT. Good luck with your studies and career!