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Day-1 CPT Company List
Discover employers that support Day-1 CPT, enabling international students to work legally while studying. Start connecting with companies that understand your needs and support your growth. 💼
USCIS Guidelines on F-1 Employment Through CPT & Day-1 CPT
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as long as the job is directly related to their academic program. CPT helps students apply classroom knowledge to real-world roles, allowing them to build skills and connections while maintaining F-1 student status. To remain compliant, students must ensure that their CPT job is closely aligned with their field of study.
Day-1 CPT expands on this concept, allowing eligible students to begin working from the first day of their program. Unlike standard CPT, which is typically available after a few semesters, Day-1 CPT is designed for programs with integrated work components, making it ideal for students who need immediate work authorization due to expiring OPT or other circumstances. Both CPT and Day-1 CPT require the job to be connected to the student’s area of study, as outlined by USCIS.
For more information, you can refer to the official USCIS resources below:
Why Employer Support for Day-1 CPT is Important？
Employer support is essential for students using Day-1 CPT to ensure a smooth and compliant work experience. In most cases, the CPT application process requires employers to provide documentation that confirms their knowledge and support of the employee’s CPT-based work authorization. Having an employer who understands Day-1 CPT helps streamline onboarding, as they’ll be familiar with the requirements and flexible with the necessary documentation. Employers who support Day-1 CPT also help students maintain F-1 status by providing work directly related to their academic program, which is crucial for USCIS compliance.
Additionally, having an employer who’s aware of Day-1 CPT specifics can be beneficial for students needing ongoing work authorization while waiting for options like H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. With supportive employers, students experience less risk and can focus on their professional growth within a structured, compliant environment.
If your employer is unwilling to sign the necessary documents, ✨feel free to contact us, and we’ll help match you with a Day-1 CPT program that meets these requirements✨. For employers unfamiliar with Day-1 CPT, check out this article for guidance on presenting the program to them:
Contents
Typical Day-1 CPT Work Scenarios
Continuing Your Current Job with Day-1 CPT
Many F-1 students approaching the end of OPT who lack H-1B sponsorship can maintain legal work authorization by transitioning to Day-1 CPT, which allows them to continue their employment. This option also applies to H-1B holders nearing their six-year cap who haven’t yet received I-140 approval.
How to Transition to Day-1 CPT and Continue Working Legally
As your OPT expiration date approaches, it’s essential to discuss your transition plan with your employer. Explain that to continue working legally, you’ll need to move to a Day-1 CPT program and request their support. Most companies are familiar with the CPT process and may require only a signed CPT Agreement, which you’ll submit with your school application to ensure a seamless employment transition.
Here’s a quick guide to ensure a smooth switch to Day-1 CPT:
1. Early Planning and Applications:
Begin the Day-1 CPT application process at least 1-2 weeks before your OPT expires. Once accepted, transferring your SEVIS record will be straightforward if you’re still on F-1 status. Planning ahead prevents interruptions in your legal status.
2. Request Unpaid Leave to Cover the Transition:
As soon as your SEVIS record is transferred, your OPT authorization ends. Plan for unpaid leave during the time it takes for your Day-1 CPT I-20 to be issued (typically 1-2 weeks). This step avoids unauthorized work while maintaining continuous employment eligibility.
Pro Tip: Avoid rehire agreements if possible, as they may complicate your employment status with the company.
How to Apply for Unpaid Leave:
Inform your HR department that you’ll need unpaid leave during the F-1 status transition.
Ensure that the leave covers the gap from SEVIS transfer to CPT activation to avoid unauthorized work.
> Need Expert Advice? 🙋
Have questions about choosing the right Day-1 CPT program or need assistance with the application process?
✨Contact us here for a free consultation.✨
Contact UsStarting a New Job Using Day-1 CPT
For F-1 students who are unemployed, laid off, or switching jobs, Day-1 CPT offers a way to start new employment legally. Though it can be challenging, these steps improve your chances:
When to Discuss CPT
Bring up CPT with HR or your supervisor early on. If it doesn’t come up, wait until after demonstrating your value.
Explaining Day-1 CPT
- Define CPT: Emphasize CPT’s straightforward process, with no extra cost or USCIS approval needed from the employer.
- Show Legality: Reference DHS/ICE documents proving CPT compliance.
- Reassure Work Flexibility: Present your course schedule, showing CPT supports full-time work.
Highlight Your Value
Demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit and explain that CPT helps you maintain F-1 status without impacting performance.
For a comprehensive guide on securing a job under Day-1 CPT, read our detailed article:
How to Convince Employers to Hire You with Day-1 CPT> Need Expert Advice? 🙋
We’ve prepared a detailed document list for Day-1 CPT employers. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation!
✨Contact us here for a free consultation.✨
Contact UsDay-1 CPT Company List
The Day-1 CPT Apply team has curated a list of companies that support Day-1 CPT employment, based on verified data from both official and industry sources. This list is regularly updated to serve as a valuable resource for students and professionals seeking Day-1 CPT-friendly employers. 💼
Use this list as a reference in your job search to find companies that understand and support Day-1 CPT, making it easier to maintain your F-1 status while working.
✨Be sure to check back for the latest updates!✨
> Latest update: October 2024
| Company | Industry |
|---|---|
| Acorns | Banking |
| Adobe | Technology |
| adQuadrant | Marketing |
| AECOM | Engineering |
| Amazon | Technology |
| AonDevices | Technology |
| Barclays | Banking |
| Boston Scientific | Bio Tech |
| Box | Technology |
| California Coast Credit Union | Banking |
| Capital One | Banking |
| CBRE | Real Estate |
| CDK global | Technology |
| Charter Communications | Technology |
| Citibank | Banking |
| Corsair Gaming | Electronics Hardware |
| CR Laurence | Office Administration |
| CVS | Retail |
| Databricks | Technology |
| Deloitte | Consulting |
| Disneyland Resorts | Hospitality |
| Doordash | Delivery Service |
| DoraHacks | Technology |
| Dreams for Schools | Education |
| Eazzy Consulting | Consulting |
| eBay | E-commerce |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Management |
| Exemplis | Technology |
| Five Acres | Banking |
| Ford Motor Company | Automotive |
| FreshDirect | Delivery Service |
| Technology | |
| Harvey & Company LLC | Banking |
| Home Depot | Retail |
| HTC Global Services | Consulting |
| IBM | Technology |
| IQVIA | Pharmaceutical |
| JPMorgan Chase | Banking |
| Latch | Technology |
| Matterport | Technology |
| Momentous Sports Center | Office Administration |
| Moody's Corporation | Banking |
| Nike | Retail |
| Nomura Holdings | Banking |
| Nvidia | Technology |
| Ocient | Technology |
| Okta | Technology |
| Omega Accounting Solutions | Banking |
| Onsemi | Electronics Hardware |
| PayPal | Technology |
| Peacock | Entertainment |
| Petco | Retail |
| Qualcomm | Electronics Hardware |
| Redwitz | Accounting |
| Rivian | Automotive |
| Santander | Banking |
| Schools First Credit Union | Banking |
| ServiceNow | Technology |
| Smule | Entertainment |
| Snap Inc. | Technology |
| Sylvan Learning | Education |
| Takeda | Pharmaceutical |
| Tax Rise | Accounting |
| Tesla | Automotive |
| Thomson Reuters | Media |
| Townli | Marketing |
| TUSA | Office Administration |
| UBS | Banking |
| Volt | Office Administration |
| Walmart Labs | E-commerce |
| West Coast Consulting | Technology |
| WeWork | Real Estate |
| Xponential Fitness | Marketing |
| ZS Associates | Management |
Working with Day-1 CPT FAQ
Can I work while enrolled in a Day-1 CPT program?Yes, Day-1 CPT allows you to work legally while maintaining your F-1 student status, either by continuing a current job or starting a new one.
What are the main scenarios for using Day-1 CPT to work?Scenario 1: Continuing Your Current Job
If your OPT is ending and you lack H-1B sponsorship, you can switch to Day-1 CPT to keep your current job. This option also works for H-1B holders nearing their six-year limit without I-140 approval.Scenario 2: Starting a New Job
If you’re unemployed, laid off, or want to switch jobs, Day-1 CPT lets you start new employment legally. Larger companies often allow existing employees to transition to CPT, while smaller companies may be open to hiring new employees on CPT.
- Plan Ahead: Start your application early to avoid gaps in your work authorization.
- Unpaid Leave: Arrange unpaid leave for the brief period during the SEVIS transfer and CPT activation.
- Key Documentation: Have your employer sign the CPT Agreement, which you’ll submit to your new school.
- Explain Day-1 CPT: Highlight that it’s an approved F-1 work authorization that doesn’t require extra costs or USCIS approval from the employer.
- Show Legality: Provide USCIS and DHS documentation that proves CPT’s legitimacy for maintaining student status.
- Clarify Work Flexibility: Present your program’s course schedule, showing that most coursework can be completed online, allowing you to work full-time.
- Check School Flexibility: Some schools may waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis.
- Choose Flexible Schools: Some universities, like Westcliff, don’t require a formal CPT Agreement from employers
Still Have Questions about Working with Day-1 CPT? 🤔
Fill out the form below.👇 We’ll help assess your current situation and provide customized advice on finding employers, understanding CPT requirements, and navigating the transition process!
Want to explore Day-1 CPT work scenarios and tips on convincing employers? Click here to browse our in-depth Day-1 CPT Employment Q&A, where you’ll find answers to common questions and best practices!
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