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
• What does CPT in the USA mean?
• Eligibility of CPT in the USA
• What does OPT in the USA mean?
• Eligibility for OPT in the USA
• Difference between CPT and OPT

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

• Possess an F-1 status
• Enrol on a full-time basis for one academic year before the employment commences
• Have a specific job offer that meets the institution’s requirements.

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:

• Pre-completion OPT: You can participate in pre-completion OPT if you have been lawfully enrolled for a full-time course for one academic year at a university or college, certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Exchange (ICE) Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). As per this programme, you can either work part-time (20 hours or less per week) while attending college or full-time during the college break.
• Post-completion OPT: Post-completion OPT is for those who have already completed their studies. You are authorised for post-completion OPT, either full-time or part-time.

Eligibility for OPT in the USA

• Valid F-1 status
• Enrol on a full-time basis for one full academic year before the commencement of employment
• Choose a work opportunity directly related to your area of study
• You should not have completed more than 12 months of full-time CPT

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!