Are you navigating the U.S. immigration landscape as an international student? If so, read more to understand how Day 1 OPT and Day 1 CPT are essential to allowing for your academic experience to involve practical work experience.
Day 1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):
OPT offers F-1 students the chance to work in fields related to their study. Here’s a closer look:
Eligibility and Application:
- Post-completion OPT: You apply after finishing studies to work part-time or full-time. Finishing studies is determined by the day you complete your final exams, final dissertation, etc, not when you attend the institution’s graduation ceremony.
- Pre-completion OPT: You are eligible after one academic year for part-time work during school hours and full-time during breaks.
- STEM OPT Extension: After the 12 month period, students in a STEM field are eligible for a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT, meaning the total period would be for 36 months. If you are a student in STEM, you must meet all the following criteria to be eligible:
- Having a STEM degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program;
- Employment with an E-Verify employer; and
- Have been granted your initial post-completion OPT based on your STEM degree
- Application Process: You must request your designated school official (DSO) to recommend you for OPT. Also, you must complete the I-765 form. Please note that your institution has to endorse your I-20 form and mark this interest in the SEVIS system.
Key Points:
- Impact of Educational Transitions: Switching schools or types of education levels while in the program will end your OPT authorization. Potential consequences of this include removal from the United States or receiving a notice of your unlawful presence from USCIS.
- The cap-gap extension allows students who have already filed a H-1B visa to work between the anticipated OPT expiration date and start of H1-B start date. If you are eligible for this, it is extremely helpful. It will allow you to continue working this time period without disruption. For more information about the cap-gap extension “The Cap-Gap Extension: Bridging the Gap Between OPT and H-1B.”
Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
It allows students to start working in their study field from their program’s first day.
Application and Requirements:
- Eligibility: Targeted at those who didn’t win the H-1B lottery, were recently laid off, or are on work permits like H-1B, H-4, and L-2.
- Application Process: Requires receiving an offer letter, registering for relevant courses relevant to work experience hoped to gain in CPT, and submitting a CPT application that is signed by the school and employer.
You may also be interested: The 5 Month Rule for an F-1 Student Visa
Different between CPT and OPT:
- Integration with Studies: CPT is a part of the curriculum where it brings together practical work with academic learning.
- Authorization: Universities authorize CPT, while USCIS oversees OPT. This means that the expected timeline for processing is different.
- Processing Time and Fees: For CPT, students apply through their university’s International Student Services, so the process usually takes 10-15 days. However, for OPT, students apply to USCIS, which means the process can take around 3-5 months. Because there are different methods for applying, fees also vary. For CPT, there is no processing fee, but for OPT, there is a $470 application fee, which can be subject to other fees that your university may charge.
- Renewal and Duration: CPT needs to be renewed on a semester or annual basis depending on your university or academic institution’s policies. The duration depends on how relevant your courses are to the actual program, which are meant to be an enriching experience that compliments your academic experience. Because of this aspect, it doesn’t serve to be just an opportunity to do work.
Choosing between Day 1 OPT and Day 1 CPT is an important decision for international students in the U.S. Both offer unique pathways to pull together academic pursuits with practical work experience. While OPT is often done after you finish your academic studies, CPT intertwines with ongoing studies.
This process is very complicated, so it can be helpful to work with a legal expert who can guide you through which option is best for you. For additional information or help with your application, do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
