CPT vs OPT: What is the difference between CPT and OPT?

Many international students planning to study in the USA on an F-1 visa wonder about work opportunities while studying. For F-1 students, two work authorization programs are available: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is practical experience during your degree program, while OPT is training (full-time) related to your studies before or after graduation. The CPT program has a maximum duration of 12 months, while OPT can extend up to 24 months for those qualifying for the STEM OPT extension. Approximately 1.49 million F-1 and M-1 students are in the United States, with 344,686 authorized to work through OPT.

Many students face confusion between these programs due to overlapping criteria and regulations. In this article, you will get to know a detailed overview of CPT vs OPT, including the application process, eligibility criteria, documents required, etc., and understanding the difference between CPT and OPT. So let’s get started!

What is Curricular Practical Training? (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training is a program in the United States that allows international students with a F-1 visa to gain practical work experience related to their field of study while pursuing the degree.  CPT is typically an integral part of their curriculum and must either fulfill academic credit or be part of your degree requirements.

To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) as a full-time student. Before applying for CPT, you must first secure the training opportunity. The number of hours you can work on CPT depends on whether the employment is part-time or full-time. Part-time CPT allows for up to 20 hours of work per week, while full-time CPT allows for more than 20 hours per week. The examples of CPT include both paid and unpaid internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, or any other work experience that is directly related to your area of study. Additionally, engaging in full-time CPT for 12 months or more can make you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

The application process for CPT

The Application process for CPT may vary slightly depending on the institution's policies and procedures. The general procedure is given below.

• Consult with your Designated School Official (DSO): Schedule a meeting with your DSO to discuss your intent to apply for CPT. They will guide you through the specific requirements and procedures at your institution. The CPT application process and its completion may take about 7 -10 days. Hence it is advisable to apply for CPT at least 2 weeks before the work commences.
• Secure a Job or Internship Offer: Find a job or internship opportunity that is directly related to your major field of study. It should align with the practical training component of your curriculum.
• Obtain a Job Offer Letter: Once you have secured a job offer, request a letter from your employer on official company letterhead. The letter should include details such as the position title, a brief description of job duties, the start and end dates of employment, the number of hours per week, and the location of work.
• Complete CPT Application: Fill out the CPT application form provided by your institution. This form may require information such as your personal details, academic program, employment details, and the academic advisor's recommendation.
• Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather the necessary supporting documents, which may include your job offer letter, a copy of your academic transcript, and any other documents required by your institution.
• Submit Application to DSO: Submit your completed CPT application and supporting documents to your DSO. They will review your application, verify the information, and evaluate your eligibility for CPT.
• Receive CPT Authorization: If your application is approved, your DSO will issue you a new Form I-20 with the CPT authorization. This document serves as proof that you are authorized to engage in CPT.
• Start CPT and Maintain Status: Once you have received your CPT authorization, you can begin working. It's important to comply with the authorized dates, hours, and any other conditions specified on your CPT authorization. Additionally, maintain your full-time student status and continue making progress toward your degree.

Eligibility for CPT

• F-1 Student Status: To be eligible for CPT, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. educational institution on an F-1 visa.
• Completed one academic year: The student should have completed one academic year as a full-time student before applying for CPT.
• Academic Requirement and relevant job offer: The academic program must offer an opportunity for practical training as part of the curriculum. The training must be directly related to your major field of study. It's important to note that CPT requires authorization from your designated school official (DSO) and must be approved before you can begin working.

Documents required for CPT

The following documents required for CPT:

• CPT Application form
• Job offer letter
• An academic transcript showing completed coursework and academic standing
• Proof of enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. educational institution.
• Form I-20 signed and endorsed by Designated School Official (DSO).

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training is a program in the United States that allows international students with a F-1 visa to gain practical work experience related to their field of study after completing their degree. OPT provides an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired during their academic program in a professional setting.

Students are generally eligible for up to 12 months of OPT, which can be used either pre-completion (before completing the degree) or post-completion (after completing the degree). It's important to note that OPT requires authorization from USCIS, and you cannot begin working until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.

Types of OPT

• Pre-completion OPT: OPT Program begins before completing the degree. This period is deducted from the 12 months of eligibility later.
• Post-completion OPT: OPT program begins after completion of the degree. This is the most preferred option by the international students.
• STEM OPT: Students who hold a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT, allowing for a total of up to 36 months. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines the list of degrees eligible for the STEM OPT extension.

The application process for OPT

The application process for Optional Practical Training (OPT) involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the process:

• Determine OPT Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for OPT, including having completed a degree program at an accredited U.S. educational institution and maintaining valid F-1 student status.
• Complete Form I-765: Fill out Form I-765, providing accurate and up-to-date information about yourself, your educational institution, and your OPT request. Be sure to select the appropriate OPT category (pre-completion or post-completion) and sign the form.
• Review and Organize Documents: Review your application materials to ensure accuracy and completeness. Organize the documents in the required order as specified by the application instructions.
• Application Timing: You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before completing your degree and up to 60 days after completing your degree. The application must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Submit OPT Application: Submit your OPT application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application can be filed either online through the USCIS website or by mail.
• Track Application Status: Once you have submitted your application, you can track the status of your OPT application on the USCIS website. USCIS will issue a receipt notice confirming the receipt of your application.
• Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD): If your OPT application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. This card serves as proof of your work authorization and contains important details such as the start and end dates of your OPT period.
• Start OPT and Maintain Status: Once you receive your EAD card, you can begin working within the authorized dates. Make sure to comply with the regulations and reporting requirements of OPT, such as reporting any changes in employment, address, or immigration status to your educational institution's international student office.

Eligibility for OPT

• F-1 Student Status: To be eligible for OPT, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. educational institution on an F-1 visa.
• Completed one academic year: The student should have completed one academic year as a full-time student before applying for OPT.
• Not have completed 12 months in CPT: Students should not have completed 12 months or more in CPT. Then he is not eligible to take up OPT.

Document required for OPT

Gather the necessary documents for your OPT application. The specific documents required may vary but typically include:

• Completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).
• Copies of your current and previous Forms I-20.
• Passport-style photographs.
• Copy of your passport identification page.
• Copy of your most recent F-1 visa page (if applicable).
• Copy of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) (if applicable).
• Copy of your academic transcript or evidence of degree completion.
• Check or money order for the OPT application fee (payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security).

Note: On Dec. 10, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule increasing the automatic extension period for certain STEM OPT EAD renewal applicants from 180 days to 540 days. This rule will take effect on Jan. 13, 2025.

CPT vs OPT: Key Differences

The main difference between CPT and OPT is that CPT involves training as part of your academic program and must be completed before graduation, while OPT allows you to work in a role related to your field of study either before or after graduation. Find out the differences between the CPT and OPT programs across various factors in the below table.

Factor	Curricular Practical Training (CPT)	Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Eligibility for Extension	CPT can be extended only if the student is still enrolled in the program and meets specific academic conditions.	OPT can be extended for up to 24 months for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates.
Job Search Timeline	CPT work must be directly related to a student's current academic program, and job offers must be secured before starting.	OPT allows students to search for jobs after graduation and typically lasts for up to 12 months, with a grace period.
Field of Work	CPT work must be directly related to the student’s field of study, as determined by the academic department.	OPT work must also be related to the student’s major or field of study, but it is post-graduation and offers more flexibility.
Impact on Future Employment	Working on CPT does not directly affect post-graduation work visa options.	OPT is often a stepping stone for students seeking H-1B visas or other employment-based visa options in the U.S.

CPT vs OPT: Visa

The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas allow international students to gain practical work experience in the US. However, there are key differences between the two programs, and lets see each of these in detail below:

CPT Visa Rules

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to gain hands-on work experience related to their field of study while still enrolled in their academic program.

• CPT is available to students who have completed at least one academic year in their program.
• The internship or job must be an integral part of the student’s curriculum and directly related to their degree program.
• CPT does not require a separate visa, as it is authorized under the F-1 visa.
• Students must register for a course that is related to the employment or experience they are gaining.
• CPT is semester-specific, meaning it is authorized on a per-semester basis (fall, spring, or summer), and its duration can be from a single semester up to 12 months (364 days).
• Students can work part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic session and full-time (40 hours per week) during breaks, like summer.
• CPT is employer-specific, so students can only work for employers listed in their I-20 and SEVIS records.
• The authorization process for CPT is handled by the school’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office, which issues a new I-20 with the CPT recommendation.
• CPT processing time typically takes 5 to 7 business days.
• Employment is allowed only for the dates specified in the CPT authorization on the I-20 and SEVIS records.

OPT Visa Rules

OPT is a work permit given to international students who have completed their degree programs in the US. It allows them to gain practical experience related to their field of study.

• OPT can be used either during studies (Pre-Completion OPT) or after completing the degree (Post-Completion OPT). Pre-Completion OPT is available if the student has used up their CPT period and still wants to work before graduation.
• The job must be directly related to the student's major field of study.
• No course registration is required for OPT.
• OPT is not tied to specific semesters and can be done at any time after graduation or during studies.
• Pre-Completion OPT can be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic session, full-time during breaks (winter or summer), or full-time when working on a thesis or dissertation. Post-
• Completion OPT allows full-time employment after graduation.
• OPT is not employer-specific, meaning students can work for any employer as long as the work is relevant to their field of study.
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and USCIS must authorize OPT. ISSS issues a new I-20 with an OPT recommendation, and USCIS issues an Employment Authorization
• Document (EAD) card.
• The processing time for OPT approval is generally between 1 to 3 months.
• Employment is authorized according to the dates on the EAD card, and after it expires, the student will need to apply for an H1 work visa.
• USCIS charges a $520 application fee for the EAD card for OPT applications filed electronically.

Work Opportunities for International Students in the USA

International students in the USA have specific guidelines to follow when working during their studies. On-campus work is typically more accessible, while off-campus work requires meeting strict eligibility criteria and obtaining prior authorization. Below, we provide a detailed explanation of both on-campus and off-campus work opportunities, including their eligibility requirements and how to apply.

On-Campus Work

On-campus employment refers to jobs located within the campus of the college or university where you are currently studying. F-1 students can begin applying for on-campus work up to 30 days before the start of their classes. To be eligible, students must gain authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO), who will provide a letter confirming the job qualifies as on-campus employment.

On-campus jobs can include positions in libraries, student centers, or cafeterias, and they allow students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. During breaks or holidays, students may work full-time (up to 40 hours per week), provided they remain enrolled and maintain F-1 visa status.

Off-Campus Work

Off-campus employment refers to jobs located outside of your institution, and it requires prior authorization from your DSO. F-1 students must meet specific criteria to qualify for off-campus work, including having completed at least one full academic year of study. Students seeking off-campus employment must secure jobs that are directly related to their field of study and may qualify through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). These programs allow students to gain practical experience in their area of study during or after their academic program.

In rare cases, students facing financial hardship may apply for off-campus work authorization through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under emergent circumstances. This is typically granted for students who are facing unexpected financial difficulties and need to work to support themselves through the Special Student Relief program.

In conclusion, the main difference between CPT and OPT lies in the timing and eligibility criteria—CPT must be completed before graduation as part of the curriculum, while OPT can be pursued before or after graduation. For students looking to gain work experience in the U.S., both options offer valuable opportunities depending on your academic timeline and goals. Remember, it’s important to align your work experience with your field of study to make the most out of your CPT vs OPT period. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact our Kanan counselors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can one apply for CPT and OPT together?

Yes, you can apply. But, remember that if you take up CPT for 12 months full- time you are not eligible to apply for OPT. However, it is possible to apply for OPT even if you take up part-time CPT for more than 12 months. It is also noted that CPT can be authorized until the last day of the final quarter.

2. Can I work in the USA for longer than the set deadline with an OPT?

International Students can get only 12 months of employment in an OPT. Students who wish to work longer can get H1-B Visa or if you hold a STEM degree you can also extend your duration to 17 months or more.

3. Can you study while on OPT?

Applying to OPT when you are studying is used only when you have fewer chances on CPT. Usually, students apply to OPT after their graduation. It is advisable to plan and apply so that you are in OPT after your graduation. Students should keep in mind that they will lose their status in the US if they don’t begin their OPT within the grace period. Students should at least apply for OPT 120 days before the start date of their employment and not extend it till the deadline.

4. Can you apply for an OPT or CPT extension after they expire?

You can reside in the US for 60 days after the OPT expiration if you have completed the training. But if F1 students have entered this grace period, they are not allowed to apply for an extension. Hence, it is always advisable to apply for OPT extension before it expires.

5. What is meant by OPT Cap-Gap Extension?

If a company wishes to retain the student for a longer period or if a student desires to extend their stay beyond their F1 visa, they would need to apply for an H-1B visa. The Cap-Gap Extension enables students to remain in the US during the transitional period between the end of their F1 OPT or OPT STEM work authorization and the beginning of their H-1B status.

6. What is the difference between OPT and CPT?

A key difference between CPT and OPT is CPT is mainly intended for internships undertaken before graduation, whereas OPT allows individuals to pursue employment either before or after completing their degree.

7. Is CPT compulsory for F-1 students?

Students should make sure to submit the CPT application at least two weeks before the start date of their internship or employment to ensure timely authorization for work. If the application is submitted later than this timeframe, the authority cannot guarantee authorization by the requested start date. It is also necessary that F-1 students must possess their CPT I-20 on their first day of employment.