KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN PRE-OPT AND CPT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE U.S

INTRODUCTION

Choosing the right work authorization program as an international student on F1 visa in the U.S is very vital. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and Pre-completion OPT are examples of such available programs. Both of these offer a gateway through which you can gain work experience that is relevant for your career as well as school curriculum. When making a decision on which one to opt for there are certain considerations to keep in mind depending on your unique situation.

This article highlights the key considerations you may want to look at in order to clear any possible misunderstanding on whether to go for pre-OPT or CPT.

UNDERSTANDING CPT AND PRE-OPT

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that allows international students holding F1 visas to take on internship opportunities that are an integral part of the curriculum.

What is Pre-OPT?

On the other hand, Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training accords you the chance to take on work opportunities before graduation.

Differences between CPT and Pre-OPT

While the major similarity of these two programs is the availability before graduation, there are differences that you must understand. These differences play a key role as you make a decision on which one to go for.

CPT

PRE-OPT

·???????? The CPT job has to be an integral part of your curriculum and is a requirement for attaining your degree.

·???????? The OPT job is related to your major area of study but does not have to be a part of your curriculum.

·???????? Can only be taken during the duration of your course before graduation.

·???????? Initially OPT can be taken both before and after graduation, while its subtype pre-OPT can only be taken before the completion of your course.

·???????? The CPT is authorized by ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services) as they give you a new form I-20 as well as a recommendation for your CPT.

·???????? Pre-OPT is authorized by both ISSS and USCIS (United States Citizenship Immigration Services) as you need to apply for employment authorization at a fee.

·???????? CPT relatively takes a short time to be processed.

·???????? The time taken for processing Pre-OPT takes longer than the CPT

·???????? CPT is semester specific

·???????? When you take on an OPT job, you can only work for as long as your employment authorization is valid.

·???????? You need a job offer before getting authorization for CPT.

·???????? You do not need a job offer before choosing to take on OPT Job.

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KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN CPT AND PRE-OPT

1.????? Curriculum employment requirements

A vital point to consider when choosing whether to go for CPT or Pre-OPT is the requirements for your curriculum. If you are looking to gain work experience that can be considered as a supplement for some of your course work, CPT would be the right choice.

On the other hand, if you are looking to gain work experience in roles that are not directly connected to your curriculum but related to your major area of study, then pre-OPT job is a better option.

2.????? Duration of work

Given that, CPT authorization takes a minimal time to be processed as compared to Pre-OPT. This means you should carefully consider the timelines for your work and your expected start dates. Pre-OPT takes longer as it requires authorization from the United States Citizenship Immigration Services, this could cause a delay in the overall process.

3.????? Career goals

It is important to take into consideration whether or not you intend to work in the U.S. If you wish to work post-graduation, using up your 12 months of OPT with pre-OPT could pause as a disadvantage for you. In such a scenario CPT job would be the right choice for you.

CONCLUSION

All in all, both CPT and Pre-OPT can accord you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Your overall decision will be based on the circumstances of your unique situation. It very important that you seek advice from your DSO (Designated School Official) for clarification and any further assistance.