Working with Day-1 CPT: Step by Step Guide for CPT Application

STEP 1: Confirm CPT Information with Academic Advisor

This first step is vital for ensuring your legal status in the U.S. and expediting the CPT application process. Check the following details carefully!

CPT Course Code and Required Credits

1. Confirm whether you need to select courses within the school system by yourself to use CPT.
2. Obtain CPT course code through your school’s official website or academic advisor.
3. Different schools may allocate different credits for CPT courses. CPT courses typically offer 1 credit, and it’s common for CPT courses not to contribute to the overall credit count. Some schools, however, may have courses for CPT that carry 3 credits, but generally, these are not considered Day-1 CPT schools.

CPT Renewal Frequency

1. Clearly understand the frequency of CPT renewal. Consult with your advisor to make sure if CPT needs to be renewed each semester or annually.
2. Set up reminders to avoid missing the renewal deadline and risking the expiration of your CPT, which could lead to working illegally. It’s easy to overlook school email notifications and forget to renew your CPT. Therefore, remember to mark the deadline in your calendar.

Whether Your Career Aligns With the CPT Application Requirements.

Ensure that your planned career aligns with your field of study!

1. Before selecting a Day-1 CPT program, carefully consider the association between your academic and professional directions.
2. Before applying for CPT, reconfirm with your advisor whether your JD (Job Description) matches your major. You can request reasonable modifications to your offer letter based on your advisor’s advice, aiming to minimize potential issues during the H-1B lottery.

STEP 2: Obtain Offer from Your Company and Prepare Documents

Document Required from the Employer:

Job Offer Letter:
Contains detailed information such as the company name, employer contact details, position, start date, weekly work hours, and a thorough description of your job responsibilities.

Employer Cooperation Agreement (if applicable):
Usually you can get a template from your school; confirm with your advisor if it’s mandatory or if there are alternative options.

Other Documents to Prepare:

1. CPT Application Form
2. I-94
3. Photocopies of Passport
4. Course Registration Page for CPT Courses

STEP 3: Online Self-Application

Currently, most schools support online self-application. Generally, you need to fill out the electronic application form and attach the previously mentioned documents. Just like the example below.

> Monroe College CPT Application Page

Basic Information

Personal Information

1.  Name
2. Student ID
3. U.S. Address
4. Passport (ensure its validity)
5. Current location (in the U.S. or not)
6. SEVIS ID

Academic Advisor Contact Information

1. Name
2. Contact details
3. Signature
4. Signature of the superior (usually Dean)

Company Information

1. Company name
2. Address
3. Contact details

CPT Type Selection

First CPT or Renew CPT

First CPT and Renew CPT may have different timelines, with renewals generally being faster.

The terminology varies between schools; terms like “New CPT request”, “Initial CPT”, and “First-time CPT” all refer to the first CPT.

To extend CPT duration, you can typically find solutions under “CPT Renew”, “CPT Extension”, and “Previously approved CPT”.

Full-time CPT or Part-time CPT

Full-time CPT: Apply when your weekly working hours during the application are within the 20-40 hours range.

Part-time CPT: Apply when you work for less than 20 hours per week.

If you need to change work information, submit a new I-20 approval request to your school through the same CPT application channel.

Source: Homeland Security – F-1 CPT

More info about CPT – Day-1 CPT Comprehensive Guide

STEP 4：Obtain a New I-20 (CPT)

After your CPT application is approved, your school’s DSO will send you a new I-20 form.

This document formally approves your CPT work permit. Once your CPT start date is confirmed, you can start working legally.

STEP 5：Start Working

You cannot begin working before the CPT start date, or it will be considered illegal employment.

When starting your job, provide your employer with documents such as your passport, I-94, and I-20 with CPT authorization.

Remember to renew CPT as your CPT end date approaches.

FAQ

What is Day-1 CPT?

Day-1 CPT allows students to begin applying for CPT immediately upon entering certain master’s programs in the U.S. Balancing full-time studies with legal work is permitted. As the demand for Day-1 CPT programs grows, immigration authorities scrutinize universities offering such programs more closely. Choosing the right Day-1 CPT school is crucial; consider legitimacy, location, fees, and reviews from fellow students.

In the United States, many master’s programs require students to have work experience for a better learning experience and understanding. Consequently, these programs allow students to apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) immediately upon enrollment, enabling them to work legally.

>> Day-1 CPT Comprehensive Guide

As the demand for Day-1 CPT programs has increased, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has become more stringent in scrutinizing universities offering such programs in recent years. If you fail to choose a compliant school, it may lead to complications in your future H1B and Green Card applications.

>> Best 5 Day-1 CPT Universities in the West

>> Best 6 Day-1 CPT Universities Comparison in the East

How Long Can I Use CPT?

The duration of your CPT depends on your program length.

Theoretically, as long as you maintain your F1 student status, you can continuously apply for CPT.

Can I Apply for CPT Again If I Have Used CPT in My Previous Degree?

Absolutely! If your degree level remains the same, you can apply for CPT with a different major.

Alternatively, you can pursue a higher degree to apply for CPT in the same field.

Can I Travel to my Home Country after CPT Start Date?

Yes, you can travel if your F-1 visa, SEVIS, and I-20 are valid. Check all your identity documents before entry.

Does CPT Affect OPT?

Working over 12 months in Full-time CPT will make you ineligible for OPT.

The times of using Part-time CPT won’t affect your OPT application.

However, if you engage in simultaneous Part-time CPT and the total weekly hours exceed 20, it will be considered Full-time CPT, impacting your OPT eligibility.

To ensure your OPT eligibility, you’d better only use Part-time CPT, not exceeding 20 hours per week. Even if you choose Full-time CPT, avoid surpassing 12 months. You can consider your own plan and decide how to use it.

Does CPT Impact H1-B and Green Card Applications?

You may receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) after being selected in the H1-B lottery.

It could raise questions about your full-time student status or your decision to major.

Reputable Day-1 CPT schools usually provide supporting documents to address these issues.