Working options in the U.S. as an F1 student

Working options in the U.S. as an F1 student – CPT and OPT

CPT :

CPT is curriculum practical training.
Students who are currently on valid F-1 status are eligible for CPT.
CPT is temporary authorization for practical training directly related to the program of study.
CPT can be paid or unpaid internship, practicum or cooperative education program.
CPT is employer specific.
In CPT students can work for 20 hours a week.
Students who have enrolled for a full-time course in the college or university for at least one year are eligible for applying to CPT
Processing time for CPT generally takes 3 to 7 days by the DSO.

OPT :

OPT is optional practical training.
Students who are currently on valid F-1 status are eligible for OPT.
Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at the bachelor’s level and 12 months of OPT at the master’s level.
OPT is a work permit given to the students, where students can work full time.
OPT job must be related to the student’s major field of study.
OPT is not employer specific as long as the position the student is working is related to the program of study and E-verified by the DSO.
In the OPT period, working 40 hours a week is legal.
Processing time for OPT generally takes between 1 to 3months.

OPT Extension:

Students who are studying in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field can apply for OPT extension.
OPT extension is valid for 24months.

NOTE:

If a student works on CPT for more than 12 months i.e., full time CPT will lose the eligibility for OPT.
Make sure your DSO approves your CPT and OPT and update your I-20 accordingly.
The difference between OPT and CPT is the time span in which you are qualified for these programs and the kind of work permitted in each program

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