CPT or OPT? A Brief Overview of U.S. Work Authorizations for International Students
Both CPT and OPT require authorization from the international student office at your university and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Key Takeaways
CPT and OPT programs allow international students to work legally in the United States.
CPT programs allow international students to work off campus in a job that is directly related to their field of study.
OPT programs enable international students to work in an off-campus job after earning a degree.
A STEM OPT extension allows international students who have completed a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) to work for an additional 24 months.
OPT and CPT work authorizations help bridge the gap between education and professional growth.
Introduction
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are work authorizations in the United States for international students. CPT allows students to gain off-campus work experience related to their field of study, while OPT provides an opportunity for post-graduation employment.
Both programs offer practical, hands-on experience, with CPT often used during the academic program, and OPT typically required after graduation. These work authorizations play a crucial role in enhancing students' educational and professional growth while in the United States.
CPT or OPT? Understanding the Basics
CPT programs allow international students to work off campus in a job that is directly related to their field of study. CPT is available to students who have completed one academic year (two semesters) of study in the U.S. and whose program requires them to complete practical training as part of their degree program.
OPT programs also enable international students to work in a job that is related to their degree. However, OPT is available to students who have completed their degree program and is typically used as a way to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. OPT can be used for up to 12 months, or up to 36 months for students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
Both CPT and OPT require authorization from the international student office at your university and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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What is a STEM OPT Extension?
A STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension of the standard Optional Practical Training (OPT) period for international students who have completed a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This extension allows international students to work in the United States for an additional two years after their initial OPT period expires, for a total of up to three years of work authorization.
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution in a STEM field, have an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program, and submit a STEM OPT extension application to the USCIS. Additionally, students are required to work at least 20 hours per week and must complete a formal training plan with their employer.
How Do I Know if a Graduate Program is STEM OPT Eligible?
To know if a graduate program is eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you can check to see whether it’s included in the government's official list of STEM-designated degree programs. It is important to note that not all programs are eligible for the STEM OPT extension, and the list is subject to change.
CPT and OPT employment authorizations offer international students opportunities for practical work experience in the United States during and after their academic journey. By doing so, they help bridge the gap between education and professional growth to ensure a seamless transition into the U.S. workforce.
