OPT vs CPT

Many of you might have confusions about the CPT and OPT. Have a look at the difference and benefits of these two options.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for students who are actively studying.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) is different, and is usually only used after you graduate.

The United States allows eligible international students and new graduates the opportunity to gain on-the-job-learning that supplements knowledge gained in their academic studies. To participate in one of the below training opportunities, an international student does not need to change their non-immigrant status. Instead, the student must work with their designated school official (DSO) to ensure eligibility as well as apply for and receive proper authorization. Remember, all international students who receive financial compensation of any kind must apply for a social security number.

• CPT is employer specific and must be done before you graduate. CPT is a type of employment that is an integral part of your major curriculum and allows you to participate in an internship, practicum or cooperative education program.
• CPT must be required or, if not required, you must receive CPT or internship course credit. OPT is optional for any student who meets the eligibility requirements and you do not need to earn credit.
• While on the other hand, OPT is not employer specific and is usually done after you graduate.
• You can have concurrent applications for CPT and OPT. However, Universities can only authorize CPT until the last day of your final quarter.
• You can apply for OPTas early as 90 days before and up to 60 days after the last day of your final quarter.
• Final quarter end dates are the last day of the quarter per University and not the date of your graduation or the last day of instruction.
• Students may use as much CPT as is needed for their degree program. However, when authorized for a total of 12 months of full-time CPT, students are not eligible for OPT. Multiple overlapping, part-time CPTs would count toward this limit; otherwise, part-time CPT does not affect OPT.
• If you accumulate 12 months (365 or more days) of full-timeCPT authorization, you lose your eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT authorization, or fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT authorization, does not affect OPT eligibility.

To summarise, you can refer this table.