Difference Between CPT and OPT: Meaning and How to Apply

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of work authorization available to F-1 students studying in the United States. Both CPT and OPT offer valuable opportunities for international students to gain practical experience in their field of study, but they have different requirements, durations, and conditions.

This Story also Contains

1. Difference Between CPT and OPT
2. Can you do both CPT and OPT?
3. What is CPT?
4. How to apply for CPT?
5. Documents Required for CPT
6. What is OPT?
7. Types of OPT
8. Eligibility for OPT
9. Documents Required for OPT
10. Difference Between CPT and OPT Visa

The main difference between CPT and OPT is their process of application and purpose. CPT is a temporary work authorisation in USA for international students that allows F visa holders to gain work experience before their graduation. Whereas, Optional Practical Training or OPT offers working opportunities for F1 visa holders after graduation.

Understanding the difference between CPT and OPT in USA is crucial for international students who wish to study and work in USA. Both OPT and CPT are temporary work options for international students in USA. Meanwhile, CPT is typically for internship purposes, whereas, OPT is a post-study work opportunity in USA.

Students who wish to apply for CPT or OPT should possess an F1 visa status before enrollment to any US university. Read the complete article to understand CPT vs OPT difference for international students.

Difference Between CPT and OPT

CPT and OPT are two essential work authorisation options for international students in USA. These allow Indian students studying in the United States on F-1 visas can gain valuable practical experience in their field of study. While both programmes offer temporary work authorisation for international students, however, they differ significantly from each other in terms of duration, application mode, requirements, the application process, and more.

CPT vs OPT Difference

Can you do both CPT and OPT?

Yes, candidates with an F1 visa status can do both CPT and OPT in USA. However, students must follow a specific set of rules.

• Candidates who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more are not eligible to apply for OPT.

• Students can opt for CPT in their first academic year and then apply for an OPT either before or after graduation.

• CPT and OPT are separate authorisations and require different application processes.

What is CPT?

CPT full form in Curricular Practical Training. It is a temporary work authorisation for international students that offers working opportunities while studying in the USA. Students can get temporary authorisation for work that is directly related to their course of study. International students can work in co-ops, internships, part-time, and even full-time jobs related to their area of specialisation to get practical experience.

CPT offers both part-time as well as full-time work opportunities for international students before their graduation. Students can work up to 12 months which can not be extended further. Students must note that full-time 12 months in CPT while studying can restrict them from applying for OPT after graduation.

How to apply for CPT?

The process of CPT application might vary slightly from one college to another. However, most USA universities follow similar procedures for international students. Steps to apply for CPT include:

• International students can seek guidance from a student advisor available at their institution to learn more about eligibility requirements, potential employers, and other significant details. Students who are not yet confirmed as international students in the US are advised to go for HTIR Work-Study programmes.

• Take any college-required CPT courses to become an eligible candidate.

• Obtain a job offer letter on official letterhead from your employer including the address where work will take place.

• Apply for the college-specific CPT programme through your university.

• Students will receive a document (physical or by email) approving their application and outlining their CPT start and end date.

• Print, sign, and make a copy of this document where required.

• Send relevant documentation to your employer where required.

• Start the CPT programme on the outlined start date.

Documents Required for CPT

Documents required to apply for CPT typically include:

• CPT online workshop completion certificate

• Academic recommendation form

• Training certificate from your employer

• I-20 present copy

• Electronic form I-94 printout

What is OPT?

OPT full form is Optional Practical Training. This provision is offered by the USCIS for international students with an F1 visa status. OPT allows students to work temporarily in the USA in a field related to their major. Non-STEM graduates can work up to 12 months before or after completing their studies. Whereas, STEM graduates may be eligible for 24 months extension in addition to the initial 12-month OPT.

Types of OPT

An F-1 student are eligible to participate in OPT in two different ways:

• Pre-completion OPT: International students who have been lawfully enrolled in a full-time course in USA can apply to participate in pre-completion OPT. Students who are authorised to participate in pre-completion OPT must work 20 hours or less per week while studying in USA.

• Post-completion OPT: Students can apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing their studies. International students must work part-time for at least 20 hours per week or full-time to work in OPT.

Eligibility for OPT

The eligibility criteria for OPT are as follows:

• Students must possess an F1 status in the USA.

• Enrollment in a full-time for one academic year in a recogniesd USA university is mandatory.

• Candidates should not have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT.

Documents Required for OPT

Documents required to apply for OPT typically include:

• 2 passport-size photographs

• I-765 (original)

• Current passport copy

• A printout of the I-94

• Copy of OPT recommendation and I-20

• Copies of all the earlier issued I-20s

• Any earlier issued EAD cards' copies

• F-1 visa stamp copy on passport

Difference Between CPT and OPT Visa

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between CPT and OPT: