CPT vs OPT: What Is the Difference and How to Apply

CPT and OPT both are work authorization for international students. The students looking forward to working under their field of study apply for either of these notices. 

There is both similarity and difference between these work authorization that depends on the choice of the student. The major benefits of OPT jobs in the USA attract international students on a huge scale.


The variety of jobs for OPT students and CPT students depends on their field of study. Among many others, there are a few must-know facts about OPT jobs and CPT jobs that are interconnected with the whole process.


Let us understand in brief the difference and the process of applying for both CPT and OPT:


What is CPT?


Curricular Practical Training or CPT is work authorization for the international candidates under the fixed tenure of time. The candidates eligible for an F1 student visa are allowed to fill the form for CPT.


Every student under an F1 student visa can take the fun of all the CPT benefits that are provided by the legal authorities of the United States. The benefits include working under their field of study under flexible hours.


The working part for students is part of their curriculum. The CPT is meant to be completed before graduation, and candidates can work both full-time and part-time.


How to apply


A student needs to plan in advance. A CPT needs to be completed before graduation, so a student needs to plan ahead. A student first needs to know about the university that has CPT programs.


The eligibility is only an active F1 student visa and the background check according to the university or the program. Applying online with the help of a university can be done in CPT.



What is OPT?


Optional Practical training is a 12-month work authorization also provided to the F1 visa student holders. The major difference is that OPT can be done by students at any time, either before or after their graduation program.


OPT is very much chosen by international students from all fields of study. They are also given the benefit to take STEM extension for 17 months to stay employed.


How to apply


A student needs to fill I-20 form i.e certification of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status. The whole process takes place at the student and exchange visitor information system or SEVIS.


After this form, the student also needs to fill form I-765 i.e application for employment authorization with USCIS. The whole application process takes place online on the portal where the status keeps updating.


Difference between CPT and OPT


The major difference between CPT and OPT include the duration of the work for each student. The difference also comes in the part of when the student can work under CPT and OPT.


Some minor differences are about the applying process and the selection of universities and employers. Among than them, there are no such big differences.


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