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Most students choose the United States of America as their preferred study abroad destination to pursue internationally recognised degrees in the top-ranked universities of the world.
While studying in the USA, many students look for on-the-job training to gain international exposure and become career-ready. Fortunately, international students can work while studying in the USA through two programmes:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). So, if you want to know about these two programmes, this guide is for you.
Key Highlights
Benefits of CPT and OPT in the USA
Both CPT and OPT programmes allow international students to gain on-the-job training by working in some of the most reputed companies in the world. These options enable students to develop new skills that are highly valued by
employers, make professional connections that help them throughout their careers, and gain a competitive edge while looking for a full-time job.
What does CPT in the USA mean?
In the USA, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for international students holding F-1 student visas and who are actively studying. The CPT programme gives them temporary authorisation to do internships and cooperative
education related to their study area.
The CPT must be an important part of the curriculum and must be completed before graduation. In CPT, you can either work full-time (40 hours during summer) or part-time (20 hours or less per week), earn US dollars, and gain work
experience. Kindly note that if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT, you will no longer remain eligible for OPT.
Eligibility of CPT in the USA
What does OPT in the USA mean?
In the USA, Optical Practical Training (OPT) is a kind of temporary employment that allows F-1 student visa holders to work up to 12 months in their major area of study. As an F-1 student, you can participate in OPT in two
different ways:
Eligibility for OPT in the USA
Many students feel that the CPT and OPT are the same, but there are significant differences between them. The foremost difference is that the former allows F1 students to get work experience before graduation, whereas the latter allows gaining experience after graduation. The other differences are as follows:
Basis |
CPT |
OPT |
Duration |
For up to 12 months |
The duration is 12 months, but students with STEM degrees get an extension of up to 24 months |
Degree requirements |
Part of the degree programme |
Not related to the degree programme |
Authorisation |
Requires permission from International Social Service (ISS) and the academic department |
Requires permission from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) |
Application fee |
No application fee |
An application fee of $ 410 (~INR 34,030) paid to USCIS |
Employment type |
Students can work CPT jobs in the USA, either part-time or full-time, with any employer across the USA |
Students can work full-time OPT jobs in the USA after completing their graduation with employers who feature on the I-20 list and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). |
It can be expensive to study in the US. Therefore, at Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan for study abroad courses so that you can finance your education independently. Our customised education loans offer benefits like 100% finance and quick sanctions. So, get in touch with us today to know more!
We always aim to offer you competitive interest rates on your Avanse Education loan.
The rate of interest on your loan is calculated as: Interest Rate = Avanse Base Rate +
Spread.
Our current Base Rate is 14.55% (WEF 01.12.2024).
The Spread is floating and is based on analysis of overall credit and course profiling.
This rate is subject to the terms and conditions of Avanse Financial Services Ltd.