One of the frequently asked questions F1-OPT GRADUATES CAREER FAIR gets from students is "What is the difference between CPT & OPT". Below is a summary of differences between CPT & OPT.
CPT
|
OPT
|
CPT requires a job offer
|
OPT does not require a job offer
|
CPT requires enrollment in a special class
in which on-the-job training is required
and for which course credit is received
during the time the employment takes
place.
|
OPT does not require you to enroll in any
class
|
CPT is authorized for a specific employer
for work related to student’s field of studies
|
OPT allows work w/ ANY employer based on
student’s field of studies
|
CPT is issued by school
|
OPT is issued by the USCIS within 90 days
(after preliminary processing by School)
|
CPT work permit is granted on the I-20 (page 3)
|
OPT work permit is called the EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
|
CPT may only be issued for work before graduation.
|
OPT allows for employment both before and after graduation
|
CPT usually does not affect OPT as long as CPT is authorized for less than 12 months of full-time employment (more than 20 hours per week). Part-time CPT (20 hours per week or less) is never deducted from OPT.
NOTE: if you work total 4 months of full-time CPT, you will still have 12 months of OPT |
OPT authorized part-time (20 hours or less per week) is deducted at half-time rate, but full-time OPT (more than 20 hours per week) is deducted at full-time rate from the 12 months of OPT.
NOTE: if you received 6 full-time months of OPT before graduating you will only have 6 months of OPT left after graduation |
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