As an international student in the U.S., you must understand the key differences between Day 1 CPT and OPT. Both options provide ways to gain experience. However, they serve different purposes and come with unique requirements. In this blog, we broke down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Day 1 CPT and OPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two pathways for F-1 visa holders to gain work experience in the U.S. They let you apply what you’ve learned in the universities to real-world settings. It’s a chance to develop your skills, expand your network, and improve your job prospects.
CPT: What Is It and Who Is It For?
CPT allows you to work while enrolled in your academic program. Unlike OPT, which is available only after graduation, CPT lets you gain practical experience as part of your studies.
Please note that CPT is intended to gain hands-on experience in a field before graduating. Many programs have internships or work placements integrated as part of their requirements. It is often referred to as “Day 1 CPT” meaning you can start from the beginning of your program.
The CPT programme is approved by your school’s Designated School Official (DSO). They’ll add a recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which updates your Form I-20 as proof that you’re eligible.
With CPT, you need a job offer before you can apply. This job should align with your academic program and field of study.
Key Features of CPT
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have an active F-1 visa.
- Have a job offer related to your field of study.
- You need to be enrolled in a full-time program for at least 1 academic year.
Work Type:
- Part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during academic terms.
- Full-time (over 20 hours per week) during school breaks.
- CPT is available only while you’re still pursuing your degree.
- If you work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, you may lose eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT doesn’t affect your OPT eligibility.
Benefits of CPT
- CPT lets you earn income while still in school, helping your living expenses.
- Gain valuable U.S. work experience for future roles.
- Great chance to build industry contacts, which is very helpful for career growth and job opportunities.
What Is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in the U.S. after completing your studies. With OPT, you have a 12-month work authorization period. However, you can extend this period up to 24 additional months if you’re a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) graduate.
OPT serves as a bridge between your academic life and professional employment in the U.S., allowing you to work in your field after graduating.
Unlike CPT, OPT requires authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS). You’ll need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which typically takes 3-4 months to process.
With OPT, you don’t need a job offer to apply. Hence, it’s flexible to explore different career options after graduation.
Key Features of OPT
Eligibility Requirements:
- Active F-1 visa status.
- Full-time enrollment for at least one academic year.
- Employment related to your field of study.
Types of OPT:
- Pre-Completion OPT: Available If you want to work while still studying (part-time during terms and full-time during breaks).
- Post-Completion OPT: Typically used after graduation for full-time employment in the U.S.
- STEM Extension: If you’re a STEM graduate, you can apply for an additional 24-month extension, allowing up to 36 months of OPT work.
- Impact on Work Visa Applications: OPT helps you gain U.S. work experience, which can strengthen your profile if you’re applying for an H-1B work visa or Green Card.
Benefits of OPT
- OPT gives you time to gain industry-specific skills.
- You can work and live in the U.S. longer, easing the transition to a long-term visa.
- OPT provides a great opportunity to build professional relationships and industry contacts.
CPT vs. OPT: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CPT | OPT |
| Purpose | Work experience during your study program | Work experience after graduation |
| Authorization | By DSO | By USCIS |
| Job Offer Needed | Yes | No |
| Documentation | Form I-20 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| STEM Extension | Not available | Available (24 months for STEM graduates) |
| Work Hours | Part-time during sessions, full-time during breaks | Typically full-time post-graduation |
How to Apply for CPT
- Meet with your DSO to discuss CPT opportunities, eligibility, and potential employers.
- Find a job offer that aligns with your field of study.
- Make sure your CPT application and all documentation are complete.
- Once approved, your DSO will update your I-20 with CPT authorization dates.
Note: Apply early to avoid delays in the authorization process.
How to Apply for OPT
- Discuss your plans for OPT with your DSO to obtain a recommendation
- Complete the I-765 Form for the USCIS approval.
- Submit your application with documents, like your I-20 and passport copy.
- Be sure to pay the application fee.
- Once approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document.
Pro Tip: Submit your OPT application at least 90 days before graduation to ensure timely processing.
Conclusion: Which Option Is Right for You?
We hope you found this guide helpful in understanding the distinctions between CPT and OPT. In this blog, we’ve added all the necessary information so that you can make the right decision.
Choosing between CPT and OPT totally depends on your career goals and academic timeline. If you want to gain work experience while studying, CPT is ideal. But if your goal is to work in the U.S. after graduation, OPT offers flexibility, especially with the STEM extension option.
However, you can also apply for OPT after doing CPT while you’re stuffing. But in this case, your employment type must be part-time to be eligible for OPT.
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