A Comparison Chart – CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT
So, do you want to know the difference between CPT, OPT and STEM OPT?
Let’s start with the acronyms, OPT and STEM first, Ok?
- CPT – Curricular Practical Training
- OPT – Optional Practical Training
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- EAD – Employment Authorization Document (it looks like more a credit card)
OPT and STEM OPT is available for International Students studying in the USA on F-1 Student Visa.
OPT vs STEM OPT
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That’s the main set of differences between OPT vs STEM OPT. Did I miss anything? Please let me know in the comments section.
CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT
CPT is a different beast altogether. And there’s no commonality with OPT or STEM OPT to be included in the above table. So, including some of the key points in a separate section.
- CPT is typically used for doing an Internship while in School
- For instance, some courses require CPT as part of the Curriculum.
- It can be Full Time or Part-Time
- Schools set their own rules when it comes to approving CPT
PS: I typically don’t recommend a university, if they have a policy to not allow CPT during the Fall or Spring Semester or Full-Time CPT.
Key Dates to Remember for OPT and STEM OPT
The Study in States site has a really useful tool for OPT Dates.
Please pay close attention to the Key OPT and STEM OPT application dates.
I have a quick question and it is an emergency. Today is the last day for USCIS to receive my initial 12 months OPT package. I have mailed them my the OPT package today. Today will be the 60th day. Will my opt application gets rejected?
I can’t think of any reason why someone could mail the Initial 12 Months OPT on the 60th day of their Grace Period.
Hello Raghuram, I am an international student enrolled in the full-time graduate program. I did my first quarter on an H4 visa ( June – Aug 2020) and traveled to India for F1 stamping ( 3 weeks trip for F1 visa stamping) and completed two quarters ( Oct 2020 – Mar 2021) on an F1 visa. I am eligible for CPT in this case? When I asked the ISS team, they said that the current regulation has ambiguous wordings for students who traveled to India for an F1 visa unlike COS ( http://www.nafsa.org/_/file/_/amresource/8cfr2142f.htm#2142f10). They suggested CPT would be risky and jeopardize my OPT in the future. Could you please advise?
Hi raghuram, i came to the US in 2018 with 221g visa which is for 4 years my visa will expire in 2022. I am on my intial opt now, so when i apply for stem extension do i need to renew mu visa as well? How does it work for a 221g case
Hi Raghu,
Is there any problem if a STEM student do full-time Co-op/Internship (on CPT) in his last semester (Fall-2020)?
My school allows to do CPT in last semester. But will it cause any red-flags in my future applications of OPT, STEM OPT or H1B?
Nope as long as total CPT is less than 1 year.
If I’m in USA for 6 years on F1 Visa, Do I qualify for exemption from social security tax?
Do I qualify to file form 1040NR? Can I file 1040 and claim refund of ss tax?
If I file 1040, not 1040NR and my employer did not withhold ss tax, will IRS assess when I file my 1040 because I did not file 1040NR?
Dear Raghuram sir,
Hi this is Soumya. I really enjoy reading your blogs and articles. I have done my Master’s in Public Health, Environmental Health which do not come under STEM category. Currently, I am in my OPT period which started from Oct 2nd 2018 and it ends on Oct 1st 2019. My next plan is to pursue my PhD in Environmental Engineering if I get the admit or else Mater’s in Environmental Engineering. So I have a question that if I do my second master’s can I apply for STEM OPT later when I complete it or can I apply for PRE OPT during my second Mater’s in STEM category to save my OPT for Masters level as we are eligible to apply for OPT only once for each level of education. I request you to please advice me the best thing to do as I regret doing my Master’s in Non-Stem degree.
Use the https://forums.happyschools.com/ for Q&A. Thanks.