Savanna Hoffman
International students on an F-1 visa in the US have two options to gain work experience in their field of study: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Both CPT and OPT require students to work with a Designated School Official (DSO) to gain approval for the job or internship. CPT is a temporary work authorization that allows eligible students to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. OPT, on the other hand, can be completed before or after graduation and requires students to apply for employment authorization through USCIS and pay an application fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | CPT: Curricular Practical Training, OPT: Optional Practical Training |
| Student Visa Type | F-1 Visa |
| Work Type | Off-campus work authorization |
| Work Timing | CPT: Before graduation, OPT: Before or after graduation |
| Work Duration | CPT: Part-time (up to 20 hours per week), Full-time (up to 40 hours per week), OPT: Part-time (up to 20 hours per week), Full-time |
| Eligibility | CPT: Student must have enrolled for at least one full academic year, OPT: Student must have enrolled for at least one full academic year and must be a full-time student |
| Application Fee | CPT: No additional fees, OPT: $410 |
| Application Time | OPT: 90+ days |
| Work Authorization | OPT: Requires authorization through USCIS, CPT: Does not require authorization through USCIS |
| DSO Authorization | CPT: Yes, OPT: No |
| Training Type | CPT: Internship or training required by major to graduate, OPT: Work in the chosen field |
| EAD | OPT: Required, CPT: Not required |
| STEM OPT Extension | OPT: Eligible, CPT: Not eligible |
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What You'll Learn
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) vs Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of practical training available for international students on F-1 visas in the United States. Both CPT and OPT allow international students to gain work experience in their field of study and require coordination with a Designated School Official (DSO). However, there are several key differences between the two programs.
Firstly, CPT is integral to a student's major and must be completed before graduation, whereas OPT is not required for degree completion and can be undertaken before or after graduation. CPT involves internships or training that are necessary for a student's major, while OPT allows students to work in their chosen field. CPT must be authorized by a DSO, either on a part-time or full-time basis, whereas OPT requires additional authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and entails a fee.
Another distinction between CPT and OPT lies in the timing of employment. CPT must be completed during a student's academic program, typically after one year of full-time study, whereas OPT can be pursued before or after a student's academic program ends. CPT may be a good option for students seeking internships during the academic year or summer, while OPT offers flexibility in timing.
It is important to note that engaging in 12 months or more of full-time CPT renders students ineligible for OPT, whereas part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility. Additionally, OPT must be related to a student's major or course of study, and students can apply for OPT at each education level, such as bachelor's and master's levels. The OPT application process tends to be lengthy, so early planning is advisable.
In summary, CPT and OPT offer distinct pathways for international students on F-1 visas to gain practical work experience in their field of study. CPT is integral to a student's major, must be completed before graduation, and is authorized by a DSO, while OPT is more flexible in terms of timing and requires additional USCIS authorization. Understanding these differences can help international students make informed decisions about their career paths and academic programs in the United States.
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CPT eligibility and requirements
To be eligible for CPT, you must have an F1 visa and have been enrolled in a full-time college program for at least one academic year. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in your home country does not need CPT authorization.
Each university has different requirements and regulations regarding internships and employment for international students. You should discuss your school’s rules about CPT with your Designated School Official (DSO) before applying. DSOs must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. When school is in session, students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
To apply for CPT, you should:
- Contact your student advisor at your university to find out which CPT programs are available at your institution, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers.
- Obtain an employment offer letter from your employer with all the required details (e.g. workplace address).
- Apply to the CPT program through your college or university. Note that authorization can take a few weeks, so plan ahead. Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all the requested documentation, such as proof of class registration.
If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT. OPT must relate to your major or course of study. You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level. For work authorization, you must mail a completed Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay a filing fee. USCIS will send you a Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document,” (EAD) upon approving your Form I-765. Wait to start work until after you receive your EAD. While school is in session, you may only work 20 hours per week.
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OPT eligibility and requirements
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain work experience in their field of study. To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 student and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a college or university certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT can be applied for after completing one academic year, and you can work up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT can be applied for after completing your studies, and you can work full-time.
To apply for OPT, you must:
- Request a recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) at your academic institution. They will endorse your Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and make a notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Properly file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the required fee and supporting documentation.
- Wait for USCIS to approve your Form I-765 and obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting your OPT program.
It is important to note that OPT must relate to your major or course of study, and you can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level. Additionally, if you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training), you are ineligible for OPT.
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Application processes for CPT and OPT
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, while OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. CPT is integral to your major, and the experience must be a part of your program of study. OPT must relate to your major or course of study. CPT must be completed before you graduate from your program, whereas OPT can be completed before or after graduation.
Application processes for CPT:
- Contact your student advisor at your university to find out which CPT programs are available at your institution, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers.
- Acquire an employment offer letter from your employer with all the required details, such as the workplace address.
- Apply to the CPT program through your college or university. Your CPT authorization may take time, so make sure to plan as early as possible and prepare the requested documents, such as proof of university registration or enrollment.
- After your CPT application is approved, you will receive a document with CPT start and end dates.
- Attend your CPT program on the start date.
Application processes for OPT:
- Speak to your student advisor or DSO at your university and request information about applying for OPT.
- Request your DSO at your college or university to recommend you for OPT. Your DSO will update the SEVIS and I-20 form with the recommendation.
- Complete Form I-765 and send it to USCIS with the required documents outlined on the application. You also need to pay the required fee.
- Once the USCIS approves your Form I-765, obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Start your OPT program on the start date as mentioned on your EAD.
Please note that the OPT application process tends to be long (90+ days), so make sure to apply as soon as possible.
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Post-completion OPT
To apply for post-completion OPT, students must first request a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student must then complete Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," and send it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required documents and a filing fee.
Once the USCIS approves Form I-765, the student will obtain their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students are not permitted to begin working until they receive their EAD and the start date on the EAD has arrived. Students on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days; accruing 90 days of unemployment may result in automatic termination of their SEVIS record.
If a student has earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, they may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible, students must meet specific criteria, including being employed by an employer enrolled in and using E-Verify and having received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.
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Frequently asked questions
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a temporary work authorization for international students on F-1 visas. It allows eligible students to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. OPT (Optional Practical Training) lets students work in their chosen field before or after graduating with their degree.
The CPT application process varies depending on your college or university. Typically, you must contact your student advisor to find out which CPT programs are available, acquire an employment offer letter from your employer, and apply to the CPT program through your college or university.
The OPT application process involves applying through your school and getting approved by USCIS. You must also pay an application fee. Contact your college's Designated School Official (DSO) and ask them to recommend you for OPT. Your DSO will update the SEVIS and I-20 form with the recommendation. Complete Form I-765 and send it to USCIS with the required documents. Once approved, obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
