What is the difference between CPT and OPT? Understand the rules if you are heading to the US for studies or a job..

CPT vs. OPT Visa: Lakhs of Indians dream of studying in the US and working for major companies there. If you are currently studying in the US on an F-1 student visa or planning to go there, you have likely heard of CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training). These are authorizations granted by the US government to international students, allowing them to gain work experience alongside their studies.

However, many students mistake CPT for OPT or remain confused about the rules governing them. A lack of accurate information can sometimes even jeopardize a student's visa status. Simply put, CPT is for training or internships undertaken during one's studies, whereas OPT is a pathway to working in the US after completing one's education. If you wish to study or work in the US, here is what you need to know about the differences between CPT and OPT.

What is the difference between CPT and OPT?
CPT refers to an internship undertaken during your studies that forms an integral part of your college course. In contrast, OPT is a work permit that allows you to work in the US for one to three years after completing your degree. To put it simply, CPT is an internship pursued alongside your degree, while OPT represents work experience gained after obtaining the degree.

What does CPT mean?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a work authorization that allows F-1 visa students to work while pursuing their degree. The work or internship must be directly related to the student's major and must be a mandatory part of their academic curriculum or coursework. CPT can be either part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). Approval from the university's DSO (Designated School Official) is required to begin CPT.
What does OPT mean? OPT (Optional Practical Training) offers students the opportunity to work in the US in a field related to their degree. Unlike CPT, OPT is typically utilized after the completion of studies (Post-Completion OPT). It allows students to live and work in the US for up to 12 months. If a student comes from a STEM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), they can extend this period by an additional 24 months, resulting in a total of three years of work eligibility.

4 Key Differences Between CPT and OPT
You can better understand the differences between CPT and OPT through the points listed below:

1. Timing of Work: CPT can be utilized prior to completing the degree (while still studying). In contrast, OPT is primarily used after graduation or the completion of the degree.

2. Approval Process: CPT is approved by the university or college's international office (DSO); it does not require separate permission or a card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Conversely, for OPT, one must apply to the USCIS and obtain an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card.

3. Relation to Studies: For CPT, the job must be an integral part of your credit hours or academic curriculum. However, for OPT, the job simply needs to be related to your field of study; it is not required to be a formal part of the course itself.

4. The 12-Month Rule: If a student engages in 'full-time CPT' for 12 months or more during their studies, they become ineligible for OPT after graduation. Therefore, CPT should be used with great caution.

Points for Students to Remember
Obtain full details regarding CPT and OPT regulations from your university counselor or DSO right at the beginning of your studies in the US. If you are pursuing an internship while studying, ensure that your full-time CPT lasts for less than 12 months so that you do not jeopardize your eligibility for OPT after completing your studies. With proper planning, you can make the most of both opportunities.

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