Comparing and Contrasting Your F-1 Student Visa Work Options: OPT v. CPT

•

You may currently be in the U.S. on a F-1 Visa, and want to work. You have heard of “OPT” and “CPT” but do not know much about these employment authorization options and are not sure what the difference is between them. This article will help you plan for one of these employment authorizations by comparing and contrasting them. 

CPT- Curricular Practical TrainingOPT – Optional Practical Training
  • Temporary Work Authorization for 12 months;
  • For undergraduate students;
  • Must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year;
  • Full-time or part-time work;
  • Requires a signed agreement between student and employer;
  • Requires enrollment in an internship class with on-the-job training; 
  • The training must relate directly to the student’s area of study, be part of the program of study; and
  • Fee, if in summer or winter.
  • Temporary Work Authorization for 12 months;
  • For undergraduate and graduate students;
  • Students are allowed to work for 1 year after they have completed at least one academic year; 
  • Can only work 20 hours a week;
  • Does not require any employment or job offer.
  • Must relate to course of study but is not integral; and
  • (part-time) while school is in session;
  • No fee except for filing fee; and
  • students have an option to extend their OPT for another 17 months with STEM OPT extension; this is only applicable to certain majors.

Related Posts

How to Maximize Your Ability to Find An Employer to File a Green Card Visa Petition for You as a First Year or Second Year College International Student

•September 17, 2022

Finding an Employer to File a Green Card Visa Petition for You When You Have Less than Two Years Left to Graduate or are in a Masters Degree Program as an International Student

•September 17, 2022

5 Considerations When You are an International Student and Have Both an Employer and A Spouse Who Can Petition for You for a Green Card

•September 17, 2022