What Is the Difference Between CPT and OPT in the USA?

Differences Between CPT and OPT in the USA

The primary difference between OPT and CPT is the time for which the candidate is eligible to work in the US. CPT can only be done before graduation, while OPT can be completed before or after graduation. Another major difference is that with a CPT visa students have to work in the areas that are directly related to their degree while OPT doesn’t relate to the course requirements. Here are the more key differences between CPT vs OPT that students should be aware of:

CPT	OPT
CPT can be taken by the F-1 student visa holders to gain practical experience related to their study area before graduation.	OPT allows students holding F-1 visa to gain practical experience before or after completing graduation.
CPT full form is Curricular Practical Training	OPT full form is Optional Practical Training
CPT is a part of student’s degree program,	OPT is not a part of degree program.
Requires consent from ISS (International Social Service) and the academic department.	Requires permission from USCIS (US Government)
CPT training can be done for up to 12 months.	Duration of OPT training is 12 months and it can be extended up to 24 months depending upon the study program.
Not required in CPT training.	After receiving approval for OPT, an EAD will be offered by USCIS.
CPT holders can work part-time for 20 hours and full-time during summer vacations for 40 hours / week.	OPT visa allows to work full-time right after completing graduation.
No application fee for CPT.	Applicants will have to pay $410 to USCIS.
Are allowed to work with any employer across the USA.	Can only work with the employers who are featured on the I-20 list and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Hopefully, we’ve got you covered, on how CPT is different from the OPT program. Further, let’s discuss what is CPT and OPT in upcoming section!

Also Read: A Complete Guide on Student Visa for the USA and Criteria

What Is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

The F-1 visa International students are able to engage in paid internships related to their field of study as part of their course curriculum by taking in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT, that is meant to give students hands-on knowledge, requires that students have completed one academic year as full-time students. It allows full-time or part-time a job to a maximum of 12 months during the school year or summer vacation. The steps needed to apply for CPT while studying in the United States are listed below.

CPT Application Process: 5 Easy Steps

1. Consult your DSO
To discuss the plan to apply for CPT, set up a meeting with your Designated School Official (DSO). Apply as soon as possible—at least two weeks prior to the start date of your position.

2. Locate a Position or Internship
After one academic year, look for an employment opportunity that is directly related to your field of study.

3. Get an Offer Letter for a Job
On official business letterhead, secure an offer letter. The job title, responsibilities, dates, hours, and job should all be included.

4. Complete the CPT application.
Along with the needed academic, professional, and personal information, fill out the CPT form at your university and include the recommendation of your academic advisor.

5. Submit Documents and Receive Approval
Send the application to your DSO along with any supporting documentation. A new I-20 with CPT authorisation will be issued to you if you are accepted.

Eligibility for CPT

Here are the basic requirements for a CPT program in the USA for international students:

• The primary condition is to be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited US educational institute on an F-1 visa.
• Secondly, the student must have completed one academic year to be eligible to apply for a CPT program.
• The training you will be doing as part of your CPT must be directly related to your study program. Also, your academic program must offer an option to apply for the CPT as a part of your course curriculum.

Further, let us dive into the required documents or paperwork for a CPT program in the States.

Required Documents for CPT

The following documents must be prepared before applying for a CPT:

• Job Offer Letter
• CPT Application Form
• An academic transcript received from the university of 1st academic year of your course.
• Proof of your full-time enrolled student in a US-accredited institution.
• Form I-20 duly signed by Designated School Official (DSO).

What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT) ?

OPT or Optional Practical Training is a benefit available for all international students who hold an F-1 immigration status in the US. It is available for students who are enrolled in, or completing a degree program in the US. The main role of OPT training is, it allows the students to gain industry work experience from 12-24 months.

Moreover, in the case of OPT visa validity, eligible students could receive up to 12 months of authorized OPT either before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) their academic studies.

Remember, this training program requires authorization from the USCIS or US Citizenship and Immigration Services hence you cannot begin working in the country until you receive your EAD card.

Furthermore, let’s talk about the process of applying for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

Application Process for OPT

Here’s the step-by-step process for an OPT application:

1. Check Your Eligibility
   Make sure you’ve completed a degree from an accredited U.S. institution and maintained valid F-1 visa status.

2. Complete Form I-765
   Accurately fill out the I-765 form, choose the correct OPT type (pre- or post-completion), and sign the form.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents
   Gather and organize all required documents as per USCIS instructions—this includes your I-20, passport, visa, and photos.

4. Apply Within the Timeline
   Submit your OPT application to USCIS up to 90 days before or within 60 days after your program ends.

5. Submit & Track Application
   File online or by mail, pay the fee, and track your application status. Once approved, you’ll receive an EAD card to begin working.

Eligibility for OPT

To be eligible for an OPT training, international students must:

• Hold a valid F-1 visa.
• Be full-time enrolled in an academic course for 1 year in an accredited US institution.
• Have degree program accredited and SEVP-certified US institution of higher education.
• Be planning to work in an industry that is directly related to their enrolled degree program. (Remember a job offer letter is not required to apply for an OPT training)
• Not have used their CPT of 12 months or full-time.

Now, the next step is the required documents to apply for OPT training in the US. Let’s find out in the next sub-section!

Required Documents for OPT

To apply for OPT, gather all these documents before your application. However, the required papers might vary, but they typically include:

• Your completed Form I-765, is an application for employment authorization.
• Copies of your Form I-20 (previous and current)
• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Current and updated passport identification page copy
• A printout of the Form I-94 (arrival or departure record)
• Any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (if applicable) copies
• Academic transcript or degree completion evidence (if received) copies
• Copy of stamped F-1 visa on your passport
• Money order of your OPT application fee

We’ve only studied 2 types of OPT programs. But, mainly there are 2 more OPT training programs available for international students - STEP OPT Extension and Cap-Gap OPT Extension. If you’re an F-1 student visa holder, studying a degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), you may be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension. Let us read more about the program in detail!

Also Read: Know About the Intakes in USA: Types and Guide

Benefits of CPT and OPT in the USA

Students, looking to work in the US after or during graduation can take the advantage of CPT or OPT program. It is no doubt that US is considered as the most favourable study abroad destination among foreign aspirants. Hence, taking advantage of both CPT and OPT offer different benefits to international students. Hence, we will check out each one of them! 

Advantages of CPT:

Here are the pros of opting for a CPT visa or Curricular Practical Training:

• Skills Development & Experience in Real World: CPT focuses more on providing practical experience. The motive of this program is to train students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Thus, it allows them to develop practical skills, gain real-life experience, and learn how to implement the concepts learned in the classroom in real scenarios.
• Career Development & Exploration: Opting for a CPT visa could be a wonderful decision since it enables students to indulge in different career paths and fields. Moreover, the students even gain insights into whatever field of study they are learning in the classroom and much capable of identifying their strengths and interests. Hence, it will help them make informed decisions about their future and that’s how they can work to improve their career goals.
• Cultural and Global Exposure: International students will have the privilege to immerse themselves in global opportunities and learn new cultures and the professional environment of the host country. Hence, it enables them to learn different perspectives, work practices, and various cultural norms. At last, all of these contribute to their personal & professional growth.
• Networking Prospects: CPT enables international students to build connections and professional networks within their industry of interest. Hence, through proper interactions with colleagues, professionals, and supervisors, students can easily broaden their connections. At last, it helps them secure a good job opportunity.

Advantages of OPT:

Optional Practical Training or OPT is even an outstanding option for international scholars seeking to get an education in the US. Here are the main benefits of opting for an OPT program in the country:

• Gain Work Experience: With OPT, a student can work in the US after completing graduation for a certain period. Hence, it enables them to gain required practical work experience in their field of study. Moreover, this experience allows them to stand out and apply to multiple companies right after graduation within the US.
• Financial Stability: Without applying for a work visa, students can work within the US and support themselves financially. OPT allows international students to become economically stable, and even it can help pay the education loan taken for their studies.
• Extend Stay in the Country: OPT allows every international student to stay in the country and find a job right after getting a graduation degree. Hence, they can stay in the USA for an additional 12 to 36 months. This opportunity enables them to gain valuable work experience and explore different career paths for a stable income job in the future.
• Link to H-1B Visa: With OPT, international students can even apply for H-1B visa. It is a non-immigrant visa in which a US employer can hire any foreign worker in any speciality occupation. So, after completing your degree, work in a related field of your study program, gain the necessary work experience and apply for an H-1B visa after qualifying the requirements.

It is necessary to know the course you’re studying is meeting the required eligibility criteria that will give you a bridge to an H-1B visa in future. Hence, we’ve curated separate sections of CPT and OPT for students who are seeking to get a degree in the US!

Hopefully, you must have understood both OPT and CPT, their eligibility, process, etc. with this blog. There are several points where students get confused about applying for OPT and CPT at the same time. However, just like OPT and CPT in full form, the process and duration of both of them are different. For that, we’ve mentioned in the blog how CPT differs from OPT. Meanwhile, for more information on how to study in the USA, courses offered, etc., feel free to reach out to Gradding.com and book a one-on-one session with our experts.

FAQs

Q.1 What Is OPT and CPT Full Form in the US?

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, and OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. Both are programs that allow international students on F-1 visas to gain practical work experience related to their major field of study. 

Q.2 Can a Student Apply for Both CPT and OPT Together?

Yes, F-1 students can apply for both Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) simultaneously, especially if they are in their last semester of study. However, if they have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they will no longer be eligible for OPT. 

Q.3 What Is the Duration of CPT and OPT Program?

With a CPT visa in hand, you can either work part-time or full-time which is directly related to your study program. While, with an OPT visa you’re allowed to work full-time after graduation.

Q.4 Can I work two jobs on CPT?

Yes, it is generally possible to work two jobs on CPT (Curricular Practical Training), but it's crucial to ensure both jobs are related to your field of study and are approved by your university's International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO).

Q.5 What is the gap between CPT and OPT?

Timing of employment: OPT can be finished before or after you graduate, but CPT must be finished before then. As previously stated, you will no longer be eligible for OPT if you work full-time for CPT for 12 months.