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今天来跟大家讲一下什么是OPT，CPT，以及H1B。他们和你们申请专业，毕业后找工作留美又有什么关系。为了不曲解他们的意思，直接上英文原文。
What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of training, often paid, that directly relates to your program of study. You can apply for OPT during your program, which is known as pre-completion OPT, or after you finish your program, known as post-completion OPT. Talk to your DSO about which would be right for you.
*You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level (undergraduate, masters) 这里大家一定要注意下，如果你再美国读了两个以上的硕士学位，那么你只能申请一次OPT。
**If you are an F-1 student earning a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), you may be eligible for the STEM OPT ExtensionGeneral Eligibility for OPT
Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study
DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS
Student does not have to secure training before the DSO can recommend OPT
Authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), and the student is issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Allows the student to work for any employer as long as the training relates to the student’s major course of studyCan occur before or after the student’s program end datePeriods of OPT cannot overlapStudents are eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT authorization when they change to a higher educational level
STEM 同学的福音: What Is 24-Month STEM OPT Extension
If you are a student who obtained a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field approved by DHS.gov, you can request an extension of 24 months for your OPT. You can apply for the 24-month OPT extension if you meet the following conditions:
Currently working in a Post-Completion OPT period Obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level STEM degree from a SEVP-certified college or university Wish to work (or are currently working) for an employer who uses the E-Verify program。You and your employer have signed Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students”
What is curricular practical training (CPT)?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an alternative work/study, internship, co-op or other type of required practical training that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with your college or university. CPT must be integral to your program of study. CPT can be full time and is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit.
*In order to qualify for CPT, you must be an F-1 student and have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school, unless you are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT. 这里需要注意下，CPT 是在你fulltime 学习一年之后才可以申请的。
General Eligibility for CPT
Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study
Training is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum
The DSO authorized CPT in SEVIS and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20
Occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20
Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific time period
Student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized
CPT must be authorized before the student can begin workStudent can have more than one CPT authorization at the same timeOne year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT
What Is The Difference Between CPT and OPT?
While there are many differences between OPT and CPT, it is most important that international students know when they are eligible for each. Talk to your International Student Office on campus to determine your eligibility.
CPT must be completed before you graduate from your program.
OPT can be completed before or after you graduate.
What does H-1B visa status mean?
The H-1B visa program lets employers hire foreign workers for specific needs that cannot be met by American workers. The visa is tied to the employer who sponsors it — if the visa holder quits or loses their job, they must leave the country or petition for another temporary work visa. Employers are responsible for the costs of return transportation for employees fired before the end of their authorized stay. People with an H-1B visa can reside in the US for an initial period of three years and renew their authorization for up to six years.
What is the H-1B lottery?
H-1B visas are subject to annual caps set by Congress for each government fiscal year, which starts in October of the previous calendar year. To meet these caps, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asks all H-1B applicants to register for the upcoming fiscal year, then conducts a lottery to determine who can petition for a visa. Current H-1B holders wanting to extend their authorization, change employment terms, transfer between employers, or work a concurrent, second H-1B job are not subject to these caps and do not participate in the lottery. They submit their petitions directly to USCIS.
那么毕业后想留在美国工作，STEM的同学有三次抽签H1B的机会，非STEM的同学则只有一次抽签的机会。
有没有不需要抽签的H1B 呢？有
if you are sponsored by an H-1B visa cap-exempt employer, there is no lottery and such employers can submit H-1B petitions all year long.
H-1B visa cap-exempt employers include:
Institutions of higher education;
Non-profit entities which are “related to” or “affiliated with” institutions of higher education;
Non-profit research organizations;
Government research organizations.
这些工作有个共同点那就是薪水相对industry 会比较低。
大家在申请前一定要了解一下你的program 是不是STEM，入学后无论是申请CPT 或者毕业申请OPT，都可以直接跟advisor 沟通，一般学校都会有international students office。 如果有意向想读两个以上硕士学位的同学一定要注意你只有一个学位可以申请OPT。
