While most of the students wants to attain their international education for achieving their desired professional goals. Some extraordinary ones envision themselves of commencing their professional journey after gaining international work experience leading them to take the upper hand over students having no/limited work experience.

For those extraordinary scholars, the world’s superpower- United States of America brings a bundle of opportunities. Two such opportunities are named as CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training). Although, this potential prospect comes with some conditions which will be discussed in detail further but certainly this is worth investing your precious time and efforts.

Hi Sohan,

Hello Pardeep! I hope you are well.

Sohan, I'm doing great, thanks! How about you?

I'm currently in the process of applying for a program in the USA.

That's fantastic news, Sohan! The United States is renowned for its exceptional education system, modernization, and diverse work opportunities. It's a great choice.

Absolutely! Beyond the outstanding education, there are additional benefits that make studying in the USA worthwhile.

Really? What are those benefits, Pardeep?

In the USA, you can avail yourself of opportunities like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Oh, I had no idea! Could you tell me more about CPT and OPT?

Certainly! CPT and OPT are additional perks you can enjoy while studying in the USA. CPT allows you to gain practical work experience related to your field of study, while OPT provides an opportunity for temporary employment directly related to your major. These programs are designed to enhance your learning experience and offer practical exposure in the professional world.

What is Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)?

Curriculum Practical Training give the international students the opportunity to attain employment training in their respective and relevant field. CPT can be paid or unpaid in nature and must be authorized by OGS (Office of Global Services) in order to be valid and gain value in your resume.  The students can world on campus or off campus, being a matter of availability, this does not concern the value of their CPT. In case the students work on campus, they will be allowed to work 20 hours per week or even less. On the other hand, if the student who choose to work off campus are allowed to work 40 hours per week. Students can start working off campus in two scenarios. 

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training provides the opportunity to F1 students to gain temporary employment on matching the eligibility criteria. The students can apply for commencing their OPT either during their degree or after completion of their course. The students will get to work 20 hrs per week during their studies will be in process.

The students who wants to apply for their Optional Practical Training needs to apply before 90 days of the ending of their course and not more than 60 days after the ending of their course. Now, OPT has been categorized on certain levels:

  • Pre- completion OPT
  • Post-Completion OPT

Now, let’s understanding what these two terms means:

  • Pre- Completion OPT: Students who wants to work during their ongoing sessions can enroll for Pre-completion OPT.  For doing the same, they need to complete the initial year i.e: 1st year of their degree and needs to attain the authorization for applying for an OPT. Students have to apply 90 days before the ending of their course as per the date mentioned on their I20. Students can work up to 20 hours per week or less while the ongoing sessions.
  • Post- Completion OPT: Students who have successfully completed their course can apply for this category. If the student is authorized to apply for this category, they can work upto 20 hours per week or full time.

That sounds amazing, Pardeep! Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I'm even more excited about the prospect of studying in the USA now.