What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

International students are provided with two types of employment authorisation in the United States: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). 
Although there are some notable differences between the two, both offer students the opportunity to obtain real-world experience related to their topic of study. The purpose of this blog is to highlight the differences between OPT and CPT. Read on!

Definition of OPT and CPT

Through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, international students can easily get to work in the United States for a maximum of 12 months after the completion of their degree. OPT is a great option for students who are studying in the US to obtain real-world experience that too related to their course of study.
However, CPT is a work authorisation program that allows students from abroad to engage in work-study, cooperative education, or paid or unpaid student internships that are directly related to their academic program. All the theoretical knowledge is a waste if one is unable to implement it. OPT and CPT together are meant for international students to gain the knowledge they need to ace and do better in their choice of study through international exposure. 

Eligibility Criteria for OPT and CPT

OPT

Students must have completed one academic year of full-time study while keeping valid F-1 student status for themselves to be eligible for OPT. It can be performed both during and after earning a degree. Before beginning employment, you must apply for and receive an EAD card from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As a way to get around this, you have to submit the necessary paperwork, payment, and supporting materials to USCIS. For further details and guidance regarding OPT eligibility and the application process, it is necessary to get in touch with your designated school official or foreign student counsellor. Requirements may change depending on specific conditions and changes to immigration laws. 

CPT

On the other hand, CPT mandates that students have completed an internship or work opportunity that is a required component of their curriculum and that they have been enrolled in their program for at least one academic year. It is important not to forget that CPT puts restrictions on the total amount of hours and duration of work. Typically, students are permitted to work full-time during the summer or breaks from school and part-time and take care of their well-being services, that is, up to 20 hours per week, all through the academic year. Students who use 12 months or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation. CPT cannot be used for longer than 12 months.

The difference between OPT and CPT is slightly different; both these programs are for international students work experience. However, these differences need to be cleared by professionals. Once you find an interest in learning, growing and earning, you can always seek guidance and get to work with no hassle. 

Duration of OPT and CPT

OPT can be divided into two different categories first is pre-completion OPT and second, post-completion OPT. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work part-time during academic semesters and full-time during breaks. Post-completion OPT grants students full-time work authorisation for up to 12 months after graduation. CPT is typically granted on a semester-by-semester basis and does not have a specific time restriction, which makes it a reliable option for students who choose to work after the completion of their study course.

Work Authorization for OPT and CPT

Students can apply for "temporary training" employment authorisation during their post-completion OPT. This means that as long as the position is relevant to their area of study, they can work for any business. However, "employer-specific" work authorisation is offered by CPT. Only organisations with a formal agreement for delivering possibilities for practical training and who have a close connection with the educational institution are allowed to employ students.
OPT and CPT, whichever you choose, make sure you are eligible; rather than wasting time in a foreign country, you should seek professional help and understand the curriculum more specifically. 

Types of OPT and CPT

The STEM OPT extension and the Cap-Gap extension are two more alternatives that OPT offers. Students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are qualified to extend their extracurricular activities for a further 24 months through the STEM OPT extension. Students having H-1B petitions have been granted approval and can postpone their OPT till the starting date of their H-1B visa by using the Cap-Gap extension. Generally speaking, CPT has no extensions. 

Academic Integration with OPT and CPT

OPT usually has minimal involvement with academic programs since it grants permission to work after graduation. On the other hand, CPT is closely linked to the academic program since it mandates that students hold a certain job or internship that is relevant to their subject of study and afford students essentials kits for themselves. Faculty supervision and course credit may also be requirements for CPT.

Finally, it must be noted that both OPT and CPT have advantages as work authorisation programs that let international students in the US gain real-world experience. Their time, qualifying requirements, flexibility with regard to work authorisation, and academic integration are where they diverge most. In order to choose the curriculum that best fits their academic needs and career ambitions, it is critical for students to be aware of these differences.