Studying in the US: Understanding the difference between CPT vs OPT
Karunn Kandoi
Chief Experience Officer, ApplyBoard, Chief Experience Officer, ApplyBoard
Synopsis
The United States remains a top destination for international students, providing a dynamic academic environment and diverse cultural experiences. India leads with the largest student population in the US based on F-1 visa issuances in the first half of 2024, and the US Consulate General in Mumbai anticipates a 10% increase in visa applications from Indian students this year. Beyond academics, many students seek practical work experience, which is facilitated by two US visa programs: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
By Karunn Kandoi, ET CONTRIBUTORS
The United States remains a prime destination for international students, offering a dynamic academic environment and diverse cultural experiences. India leads with the largest student population in the US, based on F-1 visa issuances in the first half of 2024. The US ConsulatGeneral in Mumbai also anticipates a 10% increase in visa applications from Indian students this year. Beyond academics, many students seek practical work experience in their fields.
This article examines how F-1 international students can work while studying in the US, detailing the differences between CPT and OPT to help students navigate their options for gaining valuable work experience.
The Benefits of CPT and OPT
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Imagine interning at a cutting-edge tech company in Silicon Valley or assisting a renowned research team at a prestigious university. With CPT and OPT, these opportunities become accessible for international F-1 visa holders, allowing them to excel academically while gaining practical skills that enhance their competitiveness in the job market post-graduation.
Understanding the Differences: CPT vs OPT
While both CPT and OPT provide valuable work experience, they differ in several key aspects:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 visa students to gain practical work experience directly related to their academic major. This can include internships, cooperative education programs, or practicums that are integral to their curriculum. There are two types of CPT:
● Part-time CPT: Allows students to work 20 hours or less per week.
● Full-time CPT: Allows students to work more than 20 hours per week.
Students should consult their institution’s international office for specific document requirements. Generally, the following documents are needed:
● CPT authorization form from the academic department
● Job offer letter
● Passport and visa
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months. OPT is recommended by the university’s international office but requires approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Students can apply for OPT either before completing their studies (pre-completion) or after (post- completion). Students with STEM degrees can extend their post-completion OPT by an
additional 24 months. Periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the total available post-completion OPT time.
There are three types of OPT:
● Pre-completion OPT: Begins before the completion of the academic program and is deducted from the 12-month eligibility.
● Post-completion OPT: Begins after course completion and is the most popular option for students.
● STEM OPT: A 24-month extension available for certain STEM majors.
Key Differences Between CPT and OPT
● Timing:
○ CPT is for work experience during the academic program.
○ OPT can be used during (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) the academic program.
Authorization:
○ CPT requires approval from the (International Student Services) ISS and the academic department.
○ OPT requires approval from USCIS.
● Duration:
○ CPT can be used for up to 12 months and can be part-time or full-time.
○ OPT can be used for up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM graduates.
● Work Hours:
○ CPT is part-time (20 hours or less per week) during school and full-time (more than 20 hours) during breaks.
○ OPT is typically full-time after graduation.
● Application Fee:
○ CPT does not have an application fee.
○ OPT requires an application fee.
Choosing the Right Path: CPT or OPT?
The choice between CPT and OPT depends on individual goals and academic programs:
● For early practical experience: Choose CPT if your program offers internships or co-op opportunities integrated into your coursework.
For post-graduation job search: Choose OPT if you want dedicated time after graduation to gain work experience and strengthen your resume.
Next Steps: Planning Your Career Path
CPT and OPT provide international students with valuable opportunities to gain work experience in the US. To get started, consult your school’s ISS office to discuss program options and eligibility requirements. They can also guide you through the application process for both CPT and OPT.
With careful planning and the right program, students can leverage their US education and gain the experience needed for a successful career in their chosen field.
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Fortunately, the US offers two visa programs for this purpose: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).This article examines how F-1 international students can work while studying in the US, detailing the differences between CPT and OPT to help students navigate their options for gaining valuable work experience.
The Benefits of CPT and OPT
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Imagine interning at a cutting-edge tech company in Silicon Valley or assisting a renowned research team at a prestigious university. With CPT and OPT, these opportunities become accessible for international F-1 visa holders, allowing them to excel academically while gaining practical skills that enhance their competitiveness in the job market post-graduation.
Understanding the Differences: CPT vs OPT
While both CPT and OPT provide valuable work experience, they differ in several key aspects:
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 visa students to gain practical work experience directly related to their academic major. This can include internships, cooperative education programs, or practicums that are integral to their curriculum. There are two types of CPT:
● Part-time CPT: Allows students to work 20 hours or less per week.
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● Full-time CPT: Allows students to work more than 20 hours per week.
Students should consult their institution’s international office for specific document requirements. Generally, the following documents are needed:
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● CPT authorization form from the academic department
● Job offer letter
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● Current Form I-20● Passport and visa
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months. OPT is recommended by the university’s international office but requires approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Students can apply for OPT either before completing their studies (pre-completion) or after (post- completion). Students with STEM degrees can extend their post-completion OPT by an
additional 24 months. Periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the total available post-completion OPT time.
There are three types of OPT:
● Pre-completion OPT: Begins before the completion of the academic program and is deducted from the 12-month eligibility.
● Post-completion OPT: Begins after course completion and is the most popular option for students.
● STEM OPT: A 24-month extension available for certain STEM majors.
Key Differences Between CPT and OPT
● Timing:
○ CPT is for work experience during the academic program.
○ OPT can be used during (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) the academic program.
Authorization:
○ CPT requires approval from the (International Student Services) ISS and the academic department.
○ OPT requires approval from USCIS.
● Duration:
○ CPT can be used for up to 12 months and can be part-time or full-time.
○ OPT can be used for up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM graduates.
● Work Hours:
○ CPT is part-time (20 hours or less per week) during school and full-time (more than 20 hours) during breaks.
○ OPT is typically full-time after graduation.
● Application Fee:
○ CPT does not have an application fee.
○ OPT requires an application fee.
Choosing the Right Path: CPT or OPT?
The choice between CPT and OPT depends on individual goals and academic programs:
● For early practical experience: Choose CPT if your program offers internships or co-op opportunities integrated into your coursework.
For post-graduation job search: Choose OPT if you want dedicated time after graduation to gain work experience and strengthen your resume.
Next Steps: Planning Your Career Path
CPT and OPT provide international students with valuable opportunities to gain work experience in the US. To get started, consult your school’s ISS office to discuss program options and eligibility requirements. They can also guide you through the application process for both CPT and OPT.
With careful planning and the right program, students can leverage their US education and gain the experience needed for a successful career in their chosen field.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
