International students traveling to the United States of America for study purposes often worry about job opportunities. Therefore, the US authorities have come up with a solution for this concern. Foreign students are offered training programs, namely CPT and OPT in USA. While one is taken up as an internship and the other is undertaken as post-study work. Although the rules for both programs are quite similar, there is still a lot of perplexity about them.
Hence, this article will enlighten you about the basic aspects related to both these training programs in the USA.
What is OPT and CPT in USA: Overview
As students always tend to get confused between CPT and OPT in USA, we have set forth a detailed review on both these programs, and how are they both different in term of eligibility and application process.
What is CPT?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is an alternative work/study, internship, co-op, or other type of training program that allows international students with an F-1 visa in the United States to gain practical work experience in their field of study. Being an integral part of the curriculum, it can be full-time and not restricted by a particular work hour limit. This program aims to provide students with hands-on training and practical knowledge.
To qualify for CPT, students must complete one full academic year at a SEVP-certified school, and the number of hours they can work depends on their employment category, whether it is full-time or part-time. Nonetheless, if they engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more, they will stand ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for CPT
The training is a fundamental part of the institution’s established curriculum and directly relates to the student’s major area of study.
The DSO authorized CPT in SEVIS, printed on the Form I-20 of the student.
Takes place before the due date of the course on the Form I-20.
Authorizes students to work for only one specific employer and for a specific duration.
Students need to obtain the training opportunity before CPT can be approved.
CPT needs to be authorized before the student starts working.
Students are entitled to more than one CPT authorization at the same time.
One year of full-time CPT makes students disqualified for OPT.
Application process
The CPT application procedure depends on the policies of the institution. However, the general procedure may include the following steps:-
Consult with a DSO – Discuss your intent to apply for CPT with your DSO and get accurate information about the specific requirements and procedures at your -university or college. Since the application process may take up to 7-10 days, it is advisable to apply at least 2 weeks before the work begins. Shuraa Education experts will help you get in touch with your DSO and support you in completing the entire process easily.
Secure a job/internship – Find a job opportunity or internship that aligns with your area of study and the practical training module of your curriculum.
Obtain an offer letter – After securing a job, request an offer letter from the employer that includes the following details:- an official company letterhead, the job title, job description, the start and end dates of employment, working hours, and job location.
Complete the application – The CPT application form may require you to fill in the following information:- your personal details, academic program, job details, and the recommendation of the academic advisor.
Gather the documents – The necessary documents that you will require for this task will include your offer letter, academic transcripts, and other documents required by the institution.
Submit the application to DSO – Once the application form and documents are well-arranged, submit them to the DSO. They will review your submissions, verify the provided details, and accordingly assess your eligibility for CPT.
Receive authorization – Once your application is approved, you will be issued a new Form I-20 with the CPT authorization.
Start CPT – Now, you can begin working complying with the authorized dates, hours, and other conditions specified on your CPT authorization. Also, make sure to maintain your full-time student status.
Documents required:-
CPT application form
Employment letter
Academic records showing completed coursework and academic status
Proof of enrollment in an accredited U.S. institution as a full-time student
Form I-20 signed by DSO
What is OPT?
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a form of training program that allows F-1 visa holders in the USA to gain practical work experience in their field of study. Often paid, OPT provides an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills that they have acquired in their academic courses in a professional setting.
Students are eligible to apply for up to 12 months of OPT at each education level - graduation and post-graduation. One important thing to note is that students applying for OPT cannot begin working without authorization from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service) and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Apparently, there are different types of OPT students can apply for:-
Pre-completion OPT – This usually begins before the completion of the course, and that working period is deducted from the entitled 12 months.
Post-completion OPT – As the name suggests, this program begins after the completion of the course and is most preferred by international students in the USA.
STEM OPT - STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, which leads to a total of up to 36 months of training.
Eligibility for OPT
The training is directly related to the student’s area of interest.
A Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). A DSO is someone who officially represents an American educational institution in matters concerning F-1 visa affairs, while, SEVIS is a web-based system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain information regarding SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified institutions.
Students do not have to get training before the DSO recommends OPT.
Need to be authorized by USCIS, and the student must be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The student can work for any employer as long as the training relates to their field of education.
Can take place before or after the course due date.
The duration of OPT cannot be extended.
Students, when changing to a higher educational level, can seek an additional 12 months of OPT authorization.
Application process
The application process for OPT involves the following steps –
Determine the eligibility – To apply for OPT, you have to meet the eligibility criteria such as a degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution, and valid F-1 visa status.
Complete Form I-765 – Fill in accurate and up-to-date information in Form I-765 about yourself, your educational institution, and your OPT request, mentioning the appropriate OPT category.
Organize documents – Go through all the provided information in the application to ensure accuracy. Further, arrange all the documents as specified in the application.
Submit the application – Submit your application to the USCIS. Make sure you apply up to 90 days before completing your course and up to 60 days after completion.
Track the status – After submission, track the status on the website. Additionally, USCIS will issue a notice confirming that your application has been received.
Receive the EAD – Once your application is approved, the USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card that will serve as proof of your work authorization and hold important details about your OPT program.
Start OPT – Now that you have received your EAD card, you can commence your work within the authorized dates, complying with the regulations and reporting requirements of OPT.
Documents required:-
Completed Form I-765
Current and previous Forms I-20
Passport identification page
Any previous EAD
Academic records or proof of course completion
OPT application fee cheque or money order to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The above is a brief picture explaining what is OPT and CPT in USA. However, if you want to delve deeper, you can connect with Shuraa Education consultants who will share detailed insights into CPT and OPT in USA and also help you apply for the same as per the procedures.
About Shuraa Education
Shuraa Education is a registered study abroad consultancy that offers reliable services and solutions for students from all over the world. They are acknowledged for the extensive support and assistance they provide to students throughout their study abroad journey to ensure a hassle-free experience.
