For many international students, CPT/OPT is not unfamiliar, and more students hope to gain practical professional skills and actual work experience while studying in the United States. Good internship work experience will directly help students' future career development! Therefore, you need to have a deeper understanding of the differences and important information of CPT/OPT in order to better start studying in the United States. We will explain the differences between the two in detail, as well as the precautions when applying.
Step 1: Understand CPT/OPT
What is CPT?
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. This permission allows international students holding F-1 visas to receive job training and paid internships that are directly related to the student's major field. Students must complete the activities covered by CPT before graduation.
CPT work hours allowed
- Full-time working hours ≥ 20 hours per week;
- Work part-time ≤ 20 hours per week (if you work full-time on CPT for 12 months, you will not be eligible for OPT).
Tips
- When enrolled in a program, the school's designated student officer (DSO) authorizes CPT in SEVIS and it appears on the student's Form I-20, which is the basis for proving whether the student is eligible for CPT;
- CPT must be completed before graduation;
- When doing CPT internship and work, the employer needs to issue an employment relationship letter with a clear CPT period.
What is OPT?
OPT stands for “Optional Practical Training.” This permission allows international students holding F-1 visas to stay in the United States and work after graduation.
Two conditions for being eligible for OPT
- Pre-Completion OPT: You can apply for Pre-Completion OPT after completing one academic year of study at a postsecondary institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This OPT allows you to work part-time (≤ 20 hours per week) or full-time before the end of your program.
- Post-Completion OPT: After you graduate, you can apply for Post-Completion OPT. This OPT allows you to work part-time (≤ 20 hours per week) or full-time. However, if you have already had Pre-Completion OPT experience, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will deduct your previous Pre-Completion OPT time from the Post-Completion OPT time limit.
Are STEM students eligible for extended OPT?
If you have obtained a degree in a STEM field recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS.gov), you can apply for an additional 24 months of OPT. You must meet the following conditions:
- Currently working and within the period specified in the Post-Completion OPT;
- Obtained a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM field from a SEVP-certified institution of higher learning;
- Intend to work for (or currently work for) an employer that uses the E-Verify program
- You and your employer have signed Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.
CPT | OPT | |
Who can apply? | International students holding an F-1 visa and enrolled in a program lasting more than one academic year | International students holding an F-1 visa and enrolled in a program of more than one academic year |
Is it necessary to have a job placement before the DSO can authorize or recommend it? | Yes | No, you do not need to arrange a job before the DSO recommends you |
Who will authorize your internship or work placement? | Your DSO | After the DSO recommends, USCIS.gov will authorize your OPT. |
What documentation is required to qualify? | Form I-20 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD), issued by USCIS |
When can I take part in an internship or work? | During your course, before graduation | Before or after graduation |
Can I apply for an internship extension for STEM majors? | Can't | Yes, you can apply for an extension of 24 months |
Step 2: How to choose the CPT/OPT that suits you?
When deciding whether to apply for CPT or OPT, you must consider the following questions:
- Does my degree program require an internship to graduate?
- If yes, do I plan to do more than one internship?
For example, if your school requires internships and wants to calculate the corresponding credits, then CPT is more suitable for you. If you are an undergraduate student and want to get a short-term job, it is recommended that you choose CPT; if you are a graduate student or just graduated, then OPT is more suitable for you.
In addition, the application for CPT is free and the approval efficiency is faster than that of OPT. CPT is approved by your school's designated person in charge (DSO), who usually gives you an approval response within a week. The approval process for OPT is relatively more complicated because it involves the approval process of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Before you apply, please note:
1. If you have completed CPT for more than 12 months, you cannot apply for OPT;
2. If you are an undergraduate student and have used up all your internship training qualifications, and you choose to continue your studies in a (recognized) master's degree program, you will be able to apply for an additional 12 months of OPT.
2. Can I apply for CPT/OPT at the same time?
What application conditions should I pay attention to?
International students can apply for CPT and OPT at the same time, but they must comply with the corresponding regulations, namely: the CPT working hours cannot exceed 12 months, otherwise you cannot apply for OPT at the same time; part-time CPT will not affect your OPT application eligibility (even if the working hours exceed 12 months).
Therefore, if your full-time CPT work period is less than 12 months (more than 20 hours per week), your CPT will not affect your application for OPT.
Step 3: Understand the application matters and process of CPT/OPT
How do I apply for CPT?
Here is the general CPT application process you must follow:
- Contact the university's student advisor to learn about the CPT program that best suits you, the application requirements, and the corresponding employers;
- Get an offer letter from your employer containing all necessary information (such as workplace address, etc.);
- Apply for CPT through your college or university. It will take some time for your CPT to be authorized, so be sure to plan early and prepare all the required documents (e.g. proof of university registration/enrollment, etc.);
- After your CPT application is approved, you will receive a document with your CPT start and end dates. Please be sure to sign this document and keep a copy for future reference;
- Communicate with your employer and provide the corresponding CPT documents (if required);
- Start your related employment on the date specified in the CPT.
How to apply for OPT?
The OPT application process is relatively complicated, so it is recommended that students apply as soon as possible. The following is a reference to the general application process for OPT:
- Contact your university advisor for information on applying for OPT;
- Ask your school's DSO to recommend you and apply for OPT. Your DSO will update your OPT recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and Form I-20;
- Complete Form I-765 and send it along with the necessary documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the required fee;
- Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your Form I-765, you will need to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
- Start your OPT program on the date stated on your EAD.
For international students, in addition to applying for these two qualifications in accordance with the relevant regulations of the US government, they also need to understand the relevant regulations of their own school. Some schools have specified application deadlines for students to apply for CPT and OPT, so be sure to confirm this information before applying.
Students can check CPT and OPT related information on the official websites of the US government, such as DHS.gov and USCIS.gov . You can also communicate with the USNGE China representative to provide more support and help for your study in the United States.
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