Difference Between OPT and CPT: A Guide for International Students
Gaining real-life exposure in your area of education is one of the most important elements of your academic adventure as an overseas student in the United States. This gets along with looking into internship, job placement, and real-life experience options for a great number of international students. While still on a student visa, the two most demanded ways to get this kind of exposure in the US are through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Although you can work in the United States in a field related to your interest through both programs, their eligibility, application procedure, and restrictions vary. Making thoughtful decisions about your career path requires a deep understanding of the differences between OPT and CPT.
In this blog we will describe all you require to understand about OPT and CPT. By the end, you’ll have greater knowledge on which choice is better for your career goals and when to apply for each.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): What is it?
Now you have already obtained one degree and now seek to gain real-life exposure in your personal area of interest which is possible through the OPT work authorization program. Students on F-1 visas are capable of submitting for it either while or after completion of their degree. The primary aim of OPT’s is to provide students a chance to apply their university knowledge in real-world situations, through which their possibility of availing a permanent job can increase.
Two varieties of OPT exist:
OPT that is presented before the completion of your degree program is known as pre-completion OPT. Students are allowed to work full-time over the summer or part-time (up to 20 hours per week) throughout the academic year.
The post completion OPT is usually the most demanded one, it allows students to work full time in their area of education after graduation. Although STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates might be entitled for a 24-month extension, post-completion OPT is usually granted for a maximum of 365 days.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): What is it?
It can be more entangled in your academic course, CPT is another work permit choice for overseas students. While still admitted in school, students can participate in co-ops, internships, and other real-life training opportunities through CPT. The primary difference between CPT and OPT is that CPT is directly tied to your education and requires you to acquire academic credit or be a compulsory component of your degree program. For internships or work experience that is connected to be a component of your program, CPT is usually applied. For Example, you would apply for CPT to participate in an internship or area of employment that is required for your academic degree.
Two varieties of CPT exist:
Up to 20 hours per week are granted to work to those who participate in part time CPT during the academic year.
Students who are enrolled in full-time CPT are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week, normally during breaks or when their academic schedule permits.
Key Differences Between OPT and CPT
Overseas students can work in the United States under both OPT and CPT, but there are some significant differences between the two programs. Let’s dissect it in a more methodical aspect:
1. Eligibility Requirements
OPT: To be eligible for OPT, you must have attended a U.S. college or university for at least one full academic year while in F-1 status. OPT applications can be submitted either pre-completion (before to program completion) or post-complete (post-graduation). It’s important to remember that you must apply for and be approved for OPT by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can begin working.
CPT: Students who have been admitted in a full-time academic program for at least one academic year are entitled for CPT. You must be enrolled in a program that needs hands-on training because it is usually given as a component of your degree program. The International Student Office at your school, not USCIS, handles CPT authorization, in contrast to OPT.
2. Timing of Work
OPT: You can work under OPT before or after finishing your course of study. You must obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS prior to beginning work, and you may apply for OPT up to ninety days prior to graduating. Your job must be closely relevant to your degree, however OPT can be used both during and after your study.
CPT: As part of your academic program, CPT work must be finished while you are still enrolled in classes. After graduation, you cannot utilize CPT to work, and the work must be deemed an essential component of your education (e.g., an internship, co-op, or practicum).
3. Type of Employment
OPT: You can work for any employer under OPT in a role that is closely related to your area of education. As long as the position fits with your academic background, it doesn’t have to be an internship or a course requirement.
CPT: According to CPT, your work must be connected to your field of study and be a component of your course of study. This implies that you must either gain academic credit for the work experience or have your job be a required component of your program.
4. Duration of Work
OPT: OPT usually lasts 12 months, however students in STEM professions may be qualified for a 24-month prolongation, adding their total work authorization 36 months. OPT cannot take longer than this in total, and the time spent on pre-completion OPT cuts into the time allotted for post-completion OPT.
CPT: The length of CPT is determined by the number of hours you are permitted to work and your particular academic program. Students are sometimes advised to limit their CPT work hours if they intend to apply for OPT later on since full-time CPT (greater than 20 hours per week) for an extended period of time (12 months or more) can affect your eligibility for OPT.
5. Work Authorization Process
OPT: You must present an OPT application to USCIS, which may take multiple months to process. The procedure is paying the necessary fee, filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and collecting proof of your degree program. The approval of your OPT permit might take 60 to 150 days,
CPT: The International Student Office at your university is directly in charge of the CPT application process. Before you start working, you must obtain a permit from your Designated School Official (DSO). No USCIS application is needed. Because it is managed inside at your university, the procedure is much quicker than OPT.
6. Impact on Future Visa Applications
OPT: OPT does not instantly result in fixed residency, even if it allows you to work in the United States after graduation. It may, nevertheless, serve as a springboard for other employment visas, such the H-1B visa. Many students utilize their OPT duration to gain the experience needed to be entitled for permanent employment in the United States.
CPT: CPT has no instant influence on your forthcoming immigration status because it is a component of your academic program and does not require a work visa application. If you’re thinking about OPT later, it’s important to precisely check your CPT participation because long duration of full-time CPT may limit your ability to apply for post-graduation OPT.
7. Full-time vs. Part-time Employment
OPT: Although you have the option to work part-time, you are typically permitted to work full-time during OPT. Finding a career that fits with your topic of study is your responsibility.
CPT: Whether you are employed full-time or part-time determines how many hours you are permitted to work during CPT. Only during school breaks or when permitted by your school’s curriculum may you use full-time CPT.
Pros and Cons of OPT vs. CPT
Pros of OPT
- Advantages of OPT consist of increased employer and job type flexibility.
- After graduation, you will have the chance to gain full-time job experience.
- For STEM grads, it is allowed for up to 36 months, allowing them more time to work in the United States.
Cons of OPT
- Requires USCIS permit, which may take months.
- It could be hard to seek a job without prior receiving a job offer.
- The duration of time spent on pre-completion OPT decreases the complete post-completion OPT length.
Pros of CPT
- It is easier to include into your academic schedule because it is usually a component of your degree program.
- The application procedure through your university is faster and simpler.
- You can avail useful experience while you’re still in university, which could higher your employability once you graduate.
Cons of CPT
- Confined to internships or degree-related employment.
- Long-term full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) may make you less eligible for OPT.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Your academic objectives, career aspirations, and current academic platform all play an important role in your choice between OPT and CPT. CPT can be the better choice if you wish to gain work experience while you’re still in school and your degree program requires internships or real-life training. OPT can be a good option if you wish greater freedom to work after completion of your course or in a role that isn’t directly connected to a course requirement.
In any event, speaking with your Designated School Official (DSO) is vital to comprehending all of your alternatives and how they fit with your academic and professional objectives. Studying in US is a dream for many and you can opt between these two programs according to your objectives and career understanding. However, both of these have their own pros and cons. After All it’s in your own hands for the appropriate selection for your future career goals. For better understanding you can contact Zen Abroad.
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