Both optional practical training (OPT) and curricular practical training (CPT) are related to the student’s major area of study. But unlike OPT, CPT is a vital part of an established curriculum of the university. In other words, CPT is mandatory for accomplishing the objective of the degree program. The students completing CPT receive academic credit for the experience earned. Not every international student has to go through CPT to finish their study program successfully.

Students accept opt jobs in usa on their own free will to gain practical knowledge and build skills. Optional practical training, as the name suggests, is optional. Students on OPT get internships or entry-level jobs in their field of study. You can also choose unpaid internships as a part of your OPT or CPT employment.

International students holding an F1 visa who have completed less than 12 months of full-time CPT are considered eligible for OPT for the remaining time period. While there are some similarities between OPT and CPT, there are certain key differences between both.

Comparison between OPT and CPT:

We have drawn a comparison between optional practical training and curricular practical training with the help of the following points:

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT):

Total Duration:

An international student can work full-time for a maximum of 12 months on OPT during their whole degree or Ph.D. course.

However, students enrolled in academic programs of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are allotted an extension period of 24 months to work on OPT after completing their studies.

Pre-Completion and Post-Completion:

12 months of OPT can be divided into pre-completion OPT, i.e., OPT undertaken before completion of studies and post-completion OPT, i.e., OPT undertaken after completion of studies.

Part-Time and Full-Time:

Pre-completion OPT jobs have to be carried out for part-time (20 hours or less per week) when the school is in session.

But during school breaks or annual vacation, the student can work full-time (40 hours or less per week).

Post-completion OPT jobs can be carried out part-time or full-time as per the needs and preferences of a student.

During post-completion OPT, a student has to work for at least 20 hours a week. But he can also work for more than 40 hours in a week.

Job Offer in Hand while Applying:

A student does not need any offer letter for a job or internship while applying for OPT.

Employer Application Procedure, Time, and Fee:

Students can work on OPT for any employer in any part of the USA.

The Designated School Official (DSO) at the educational institution of students recommend them for OPT by collecting the supporting documents and issuing Form I-20. Then the required information is filled in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

On filing Form I-765 with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and submitting the application fee, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card gets issued to the students.

The processing time for obtaining permission for OPT can take up to 90 days.

Details mentioned on the Document:

The start date and end date of the OPT employment are mentioned on the EAD card of a student.

As the student applies for OPT before securing any job or internship, the details of the employer are not mentioned on the EAD card.

A student can work for multiple employers without applying again and again.

Social Security Number and Health Insurance:

International students employed on OPT jobs should have a social security number (SSN) and a health insurance policy.

A student can apply for SSN on or after the employment start date mentioned on their EAD.

Also Read, How to Find Opt Jobs for International Students in the USA

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Total Duration:

An international student can work full-time for a maximum of 12 months on CPT during their whole degree or Ph.D. course.

No extension period is allotted to STEM or non-STEM students for working on CPT.

Pre-Completion and Post-Completion:

An international student can work full-time for a maximum of 12 months on CPT during their whole degree or Ph.D. course.

No extension period is allotted to STEM or non-STEM students for working on CPT.

Pre-Completion and Post-Completion:

No such bifurcation is available for CPT. A student needs to undertake CPT before the completion of studies as it is an integral part of the school curriculum.

Part-Time and Full-Time:

Though CPT cannot be bifurcated into pre-completion and post-completion, it can be classified into part-time and full-time just like OPT.

A student employed on a part-time CPT job can work for 20 hours or less in a week, whereas a student employed on a full-time CPT job can work for 20 hours or more in a week.

Part-time CPT jobs can be undertaken when the school is in session and full-time CPT jobs can be undertaken when the school gives breaks.

Ph.D. students who have completed their coursework and just need to submit a dissertation can accept full-time CPT jobs even when the classes are in session.

Job Offer in Hand while Applying:

A student should have a job or internship offer letter on the official letterhead of an employer while applying for CPT.

Employer Application Procedure, Time, and Fee:

Students can work on CPT for the employer who enters into a co-operative agreement with their educational institution.

The Designated School Official (DSO) at the educational institutions of students collect the supporting documents and issue Form 1-20. The required information is filled in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

Form I-765 and EAD have no role in the application process for CPT. Students don’t need to pay any fee for obtaining permission to work on CPT jobs.

The processing time for CPT can take anywhere between 5 days and 2 weeks.

Details mentioned on the Document:

The time period granted to the student for taking up CPT employment is mentioned on Form I-20.

The student can work for only that employer whose name is mentioned on Form I-20.

To work for another employer, a student has to submit a new application with relevant documents.

Social Security Number and Health Insurance:

International students employed on CPT jobs should have a social security number (SSN) and a health insurance policy.

A student can apply for SSN as soon as they get Form I-20 from their educational institution.