Do you know that almost 90% of students choose to stay and work in the USA after their studies? Thus, read about CPT vs OPT in this blog, which are the work authorizations in the USA.
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To know the differences between both, it is important to know what CPT and OPT are. Therefore, CPT is Curricular Practical Training and OPT is Optional Practical Training. Both of them are temporary work authorizations for international students in the USA. Moreover, the main difference between both is the period for which the candidate is eligible to work. So, go through the table to know the CPT vs OPT differences in detail.
| Factors of Difference among CPT vs OPT | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Objective | CPT allows an F-1 students to work and get practical experience before graduation. | OPT allows an F-1 student to get practical experience in the same field after completing graduation. |
| Requirements | Working on CPT is a part of candidate’s degree program. | OPT is not related to a any degree program of the candidate. |
| Employment Type | Students have permission to work with any employer throughout the USA. | Students an only work with employers featured on the I-20 list and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). |
| Working Hours | CPT can be either part-time or full-time and is usually done 20 hours part-time during school and 40 hours during summer break. | OPT is done full-time after the completion of graduation. |
| Application Fee | Does not have any application fees. | A student working on an OPT should pay an application fee of $470 to USCIS for I-765 applications filed electronically or $520 if filed on paper. |
| Employment Duration | CPT can be done for up to 12 months. | The duration of OPT is 12 months, which can be extended up to 24 months. |
| Mode of Application | Online | Paper |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Students does not get EAD from USCIS in CPT. | After getting approval for OPT, students will get EAD from USCIS. |
| Authorization | Requires permission from ISS (International Social Service) and the academic department. | Needs consent from USCIS (US government). |
These are the CPT vs OPT differences that you must know before applying to work in the USA after your education. Moreover, it is important to know the benefits of both in the USA. Thus, read about them in the next section.
There are several benefits of CPT vs OPT for study visa holders looking to gain work experience in the USA. Factors like relevant experience in the field of study and professional networking are among the top advantages of them. Thus, some of the major benefits of CPT and OPT are:
These are the benefits of CPT vs OPT. Here, both offer a better opportunity to the F-1 visa holders and provide them a chance to make a better career through gaining experience in their relevant fields. So, after you study in USA, it is a better opportunity for the students to apply for these visas and take a positive step towards building their career. Furthermore, several guidelines adhere to the OPT CPT visa. So, read them in the next section.
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There are several guidelines that you must focus on before applying for the CPT OPT visa. These are:
These are the guidelines for CPT vs OPT visas. Apart from these guidelines, there are several documents that you will require while applying there. Therefore, read about them in the next section.
There are several documents that you will require in OPT vs CPT. Thus, read them below and prepare the following documents to avoid rejections.
The documents required for a CPT visa are:
The documents required for an OPT visa are:
Still Confused About CPT and OPT in the USA?
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This is all the necessary information about CPT vs OPT. It is clear in this blog that these are the visas that help a student get experience in the field of their education. Moreover, there are many differences between both CPT and OPT, where the major difference is the period for which the candidate is eligible to work. However, if you have other confusions or require any sort of assistance for the same, then reach out to the study abroad consultants, who have expertise in this field. Thus, call them today and frame a successful future.
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No. OPT is generally considered better than the CPT as OPT is a full-time job in your field of study. Whereas, the CPT is considered as an internship in the form of a part-time job for the students.
To apply for CPT, you need to contact your Designated School Official (DSO) at the university. Then, request authorization through your school's internal process. Whereas, to apply for OPT, you must also submit a Form I-765 to USCIS along with your DSO's recommendation.
CPT is Curricular Practical Training and OPT is Optional Practical Training.
The OPT Cap-Gap Extension allows international students to keep working in the U.S. between the end of their OPT and the start of their H-1B visa, ensuring they don’t lose their work authorization or legal status.
Yes, you can extend your OPT beyond 12 months if you have a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) course, allowing you to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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