Frequently Asked Questions of Day-1 CPT

CPT stands forCurricular Practical Training.
F1 visa holders have the opportunity to engage in work or internships related to their academic program. Authorization for CPT must be approved by the school’s Designated School Official (DSO), and the work or internship must be directly related to the academic program.

>> Check Curricular Practical Training – USCIS

CPT is NOT a work visa, but an opportunity for full-time F1 students to gain practical experience during their academic studies.Students must ensure that their current employment aligns with the regulations and requirements of CPT, such as being related to the school program and obtaining CPT authorization from DSO.

>> Check Common Work Visa – USCIS

Day-1 CPTrefers tothe earliest day F-1 visa students can start working using CPT, typically on the first day of classes.While Day-1 CPT is essentially the same as regular CPT, it allows students to begin working earlier than waiting for one semester or one year, which is the usual requirement for using CPT.

Many master’s programs in the United States require students to have substantial work experience for an enhanced learning experience. Thus, these programs allow students to apply for Day-1 CPT immediately upon enrollment, enabling them to work legally while fulfilling full-time student obligations.

1. Ensure that the current job is at least partially related to the Day-1 CPT program.
2. Complete courses as required by the school to maintain full-time F-1 student status.
3. Follow the school’s procedures for applying for CPT and obtaining DSO approval.
4. Enroll in required CPT-related courses (if applicable).
5. Renew CPT as necessary during the employment period and stop working immediately if the CPT authorization expires.

The number one rule is the internship or work must be at least partially related to the program you enrolled in.

Before applying for CPT, students must obtain a job offer from their employer and provide a brief overview of the job responsibilities (Job Descriptions).

Approved CPT is specific to a particular employer and time period. If changing jobs, students need to inform the school again.

Requirements may vary based on different school policies; refer to the official application requirements of the school.Contact usfor more information.

Different schools have different requirements.

Some schools require students to enroll in internship courses to apply for CPT (in some cases, students will be automatically assigned to internship courses when applying for CPT). Other schools may not have specific internship course requirements.

When transferring SEVIS from the original school to the new school, the current OPT will become invalid on the same day. After receiving the new school’s I-20, students can apply for CPT at the current school. Once the CPT I-20 is obtained, students can start to work.

Some schools, likeTrine University, accept pre-apply for CPT. This means students can apply for CPT after receiving admission to the school.

However, working during the period from the SEVIS transfer to the new school to the effective date of the new school’s CPT is not allowed. Therefore, it is recommended to communicate with their employers in advance, request unpaid leave during this time, and wait for the CPT to take effect.

A CPT Agreement is a form signed by the company, indicating awareness and consent for a student to work using CPT during their current enrollment.This document serves as evidence that the student is working under the knowledge and support of the employer.

In case of a Request for Evidence (RFE) regarding H-1B application based on work experience during CPT, the CPT Agreement can be submitted as strong supporting evidence.

In cases where companies like Google have policies that prohibit the signing of formal CPT Agreements, students can request HR to issue a Verification Letter. This letter should include personal information, employer details, job title, work dates, duration, contact information, and job description. This letter can be communicated to the school as a substitute for the CPT Agreement.

Additionally, schools often conduct rigorous reviews of CPT to ensure that students’ work aligns with their major, minimizing the likelihood of RFEs due to potential violations during the CPT period.

Submitting complete and truthful documentation as per regulations usually helps avoid RFE. In the case of an RFE, the school provides substantial support, including issuing a verification letter, maintaining records of the student’s status, fee payment records, course outlines, curriculum, and receipts for textbooks. The school will provide the documents to assist students in successfully addressing the RFE and ensuring that the evidence aligns with the regulations.

USCIS mandates that full-time F1 students can only take a maximum of 3 online credits per semester.Therefore, any university or program that promises fully online courses is not compliant and risks administrative litigation. Students who cannot complete the in-person component may lose their F1 status.

The most common format for Day-1 CPT programs is a hybrid approach, which includes both online and onsite courses. This format ensures compliance with USCIS regulations for maintaining F1 status while meeting the students’ needs for combining study with work.

Day-1 CPT program courses typically follow a Hybrid class format. To meet the Full-time F-1 student status requirements, students must enroll in at least two 3-credit courses per semester. One course can be 100% online, while the other has onsite class attendance requirements as specified by the school.

Usually,Day-1 CPT programs require students to attend on-campus classes a few times per semester (typically 1-3 times, depending on the school), usually scheduled on weekends considering most students have work commitments.Apart from on-campus classes, students can arrange their time for the remaining online courses based on their work schedule and complete them on time.

Yes, it is possible.During enrollment in Day-1 CPT programs, students are legally present in the U.S. on an F-1 student status.

Preparing the necessary documentation for re-entry during regular breaks and vacations is advised.However, it’s strongly discouraged to travel during the semester, as it might raise suspicions of improper F-1 student status.It could result in difficulties re-entering the U.S., even if it doesn’t interfere with in-person classes.

In general, as long as students renew CPT on time, CPT coverage can extend through vacations and breaks, allowing students to continue working during holiday periods.

After receiving the CPT I-20, students can begin working with CPT.

Part-time CPT allows a maximum of 20 hours of work per week.

Full-time CPT requires working more than 20 hours per week with no upper limit.

If an F-1 student has multiple employers simultaneously, the student needs to provide detailed information and work plans for each employer when applying for full-time or part-time CPT. In this case, the school will create multiple CPT authorizations in the student’s SEVIS record and issue a separate CPT I-20 form for each authorization. Therefore, if a student has multiple employers, they will receive multiple CPT I-20 forms, each reflecting a different CPT authorization.

Yes, it is possible. Contact the school in advance and provide the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) with the relevant information and required documents for the new job.

Please note that within 10 days of changing employers, updating employer information on the SEVP Portal is required.

The validity period of CPT varies depending on the school. Commonly, CPT validity periods may be for one semester or one year. Students should be mindful of scheduling and renewing CPT in advance to avoid any delays in subsequent employment.

Full-time CPT employment duration cannot exceed 12 months, or the eligibility for subsequent OPT application will be lost.Other than this limitation, CPT does not impact the OPT application.

Part-time CPT work hours do not count toward the 12-month limit, and full-time CPT work hours do not need to be used consecutively; they can be accumulated across different companies.

CPT is a work permit for F-1 students during their studies, and H-1B is a work visa. There is no direct connection between the two.As long as students work legally during CPT according to school and USCIS requirements, it will not affect H-1B applications.

However, if students fail to comply with the rules during CPT(such as working outside the CPT validity period, having a job unrelated to the enrolled program, or not updating employer information promptly),or fail to maintain full-time F1 student status during the enrollment period, it may attract attention during H-1B application processing and result in a higher chance of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Applying for a green card is unrelated to being a student.F-1 status students can apply for a green card at any time, with different requirements depending on the application type.If it’s an employer-sponsored EB2 green card, students can remain in the U.S. legally while waiting for the green card. The same applies to investment immigration. As long as there is legal status in the U.S., waiting for a green card should not be an issue.

Students need to consider their educational path carefully during Day-1 CPT enrollment. If students can clearly demonstrate their study purpose and legally work during CPT as per school requirements, it will not impact their applications for green card.

However, suppose students fail to meet attendance requirements, maintain a low GPA, or work without following the rules during CPT. In that case, it may raise suspicions during green card or other immigration status applications.

Most universities specify 6 to 9 credit hours as the course load for each semester in the graduate program. Meeting the credit requirements qualifies a student as a full-time student.

Students need to transfer their current SEVIS to a new school within 60 days after completing the current degree program or the expiration of OPT to maintain their current F-1 status. This 60-day period following the completion of the program or OPT expiration is the grace period. During this grace period, SEVIS remains valid, allowing for a transfer to a new institution.

Absolutely! If H-1B is not selected, students can apply for a Day-1 CPT program and stay in the U.S. as an F-1 student.

During the program, students can continue working with CPT, increasing their chances in subsequent H-1B lotteries. Usually, Day-1 CPT master’s programs are around 2 years, providing additional chances for H-1B lottery 2 to 3 times; doctoral programs, typically lasting 3-4 years, offer at least three additional H-1B lottery opportunities.

Yes. You can contact the school to initiate the withdrawal process, and according to the school’s policies, you may be eligible for a refund of tuition fees.

Alternatively, after the H-1B becomes effective, you can continue your studies as an H-1B holder. Depending on the school’s regulations, you may opt for fully online courses or part-time enrollment. Some schools may also offer tuition reductions for H-1B visa students.

Yes, of course! As an H-1B visa holder, you can pursue part-time or full-time studies in a program of your choice (including 100% online courses) while maintaining your H-1B status. You can continue your current job under the H-1B status.

If you lose your current employer’s sponsorship due to unemployment or other reasons, you can apply to change your status to an F-1 student visa. However, until the change of status and CPT application are approved, you cannot work under CPT.

After submitting the COS (change of status) application, the process may take anywhere from three months to a year. You can check the current processing status of the I-539 form at the link below.

>> USCIS Guideline

Yes, it is possible. After applying for a Day-1 CPT program and obtaining the Initial I-20 from the new school, you can choose to change your status to F-1 within the U.S. Alternatively, you can exit and re-enter the U.S. to activate your F-1 status.

Step One
Confirm the acceptance of the CPT work status with the employer, and obtain a job offer. Submit the CPT application to the international student office through the school’s portal.
The application typically is required to include personal information, the job offer, CPT application forms, and job description.

Step Two
Wait for the school’s international student office to review the application, assess the student’s eligibility for CPT, and make a decision. The review considers the student’s qualifications, the company’s background, and the job description.

Step Three
Receive the new I-20 form (CPT I-20) from the school, verify employer information, and the effective date of CPT. Based on legal requirements, students can only start working after the effective date.

Step Four
Provide the approved information to the employer, including a copy of the new I-20 (CPT I-20), confirm the start date, and ensure the work location matches the information on the I-20. Most schools require students to renew CPT applications monthly / yearly. So, make sure to communicate with the employer and the school before the expiration to ensure the legality of the work.

>> GetFREEassistance for your Day-1 CPT application

As long as the SEVIS is still valid, students can apply and enroll in a new school within the U.S. and apply for CPT for internship or work.

If one is planning to leave and re-enter the US, a valid F1 visa is required.

For students with a valid F-1 status and currently is in the U.S.,it typically takes around two weeks to receive the admission result from the school. It is advisable to start the application process a month in advance.

For students whose F-1 status has expired,it may take approximately two months to receive the admission result. It is recommended to start the application process at least two to three months in advance.

There might be a chance!Pleasecontact usfor more assistance.

Step 1
Apply to the Day-1 CPT school of your choice and obtain the Initial I-20 from the school.

Step 2
Upon receiving the I-20, fill out the I-539 form. You will also need to provide proof of assets, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, a copy of your I-94 form, passport, and any immigration documents you possess.

Apply to the Day-1 CPT school of your choice and obtain the Initial I-20 from the school.

If you currently hold a valid F-1 visa,you can exit the U.S., go to a neighboring country, and re-enter with your F-1 visa and the new school’s I-20 to activate your F-1 status. This updates your current I-94, confirming your successful entry into the U.S. as an F-1 student.

If you do not currently have a valid F-1 visa,you will need to schedule an F-1 visa interview at the US consulate of a nearby country or your home country. Attend the interview, obtain the F-1 visa, and then re-enter the U.S. with the F-1 visa and the new school’s I-20.

The duration for transferring SEVIS from the original school to the new school depends on the efficiency of the original school. It is recommended to plan about a week before submitting the SEVIS transfer-out application.

After submitting the SEVIS transfer-out request to the original school and providing the SEVIS Release Date, the school will transfer the SEVIS record to the new school on the designated Release Date.

Yes, if a student wants to transfer to another school after enrollment, they can apply for the transfer by following the standard procedure.

This involves contacting the current school to initiate the withdrawal and transfer of the SEVIS record to the new school. The refund of tuition fees will be based on the policies of the current school.

1. Notify the international student office of the current school about the intention to transfer the SEVIS record. Include the admission offer from the new school in the notification email.
2. Confirm the release date for the current SEVIS record, ensuring it is within the legal and valid period. Some schools may provide an online submission portal for this purpose.
3. After the specified release date, email the international student office of the new school to confirm if they have received the SEVIS record successfully. Request for the I-20 with new school’s information.