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Why Day 1 CPT
Immediate Work Authorization
Earn Income
Immigration Compliance
Integration into the U.S
Pathway to OPT and Career Opportunities
As an international student pursuing a degree in the United States, you can benefit from CPT as it allows you the ability to gain real-world experience while you study.
A Day 1 CPT program will allow you to get immediate work authorization from day 1 of your program and at several of our universities, you can get authorization up to 30 days before your start date. Providing your employment with no gaps or breaks!
Our Day 1 CPT graduate programs are a perfect career path for all F1 visa students. Whether you are already in the USA or coming directly from your home country.
To reap the benefits of CPT first you need to understand what CPT is. CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, an employment authorization program for international students on F-1 visas in the US. It lets students gain practical work experience related to their studies.
Day 1 CPT is a term coined by students that refers to universities and programs with integral CPT that allows students to start their CPT employment right from the beginning of their academic program. This enables them to gain work experience and earn income while pursuing their degree.
The designated school official (DSO) authorizes CPT in SEVIS and the authorization is then put on the student's I-20.
When considering a Day 1 CPT university, students should thoroughly evaluate several factors to ensure they have a fulfilling academic and professional experience. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to look for:
Program Offerings: Look for universities that offer programs aligned with your career goals and interests. Check if they have a strong reputation in your field of study and if the curriculum includes practical components relevant to your career aspirations.
Accreditation: Choose a university that is accredited by recognized accrediting bodies. Accreditation ensures that the institution meets certain standards of quality and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions. All of our universities are nationally and regionally accredited.
CPT Policies: Review the university's policies regarding CPT carefully. Ensure that they offer Day 1 CPT and understand the specific requirements and limitations. Our universities require CPT renewal only 1 time per year and allow students to live and work anywhere in the United States.
Location and On-Campus Frequency: Consider the location of the university and its on-campus frequency. Our universities offer numerous campus locations providing flexibility in your choices. The on-campus frequency will also provide you with more flexibility in your program and allow you more freedom to choose where you live and work. Our universities offer on-campus frequency as limited as 1 weekend per semester!
Tuition: Evaluate the cost of tuition, living expenses, and potential earning opportunities through CPT. Tuition can range from one university to another. All of our universities offer affordable degree programs with tuition as low as $3000 per quarter.
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CPT (Curricular Practical Training): CPT is an employment authorization that allows international students to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study as part of their academic program. It can be undertaken during the student's program of study and requires authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and compliance with USCIS regulations.
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OPT (Optional Practical Training): OPT, on the other hand, is an employment authorization available to F-1 students upon completion of their academic program. It allows students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 24 months for certain STEM degrees) and requires application to USCIS for approval.
Can a Student Do Both CPT and OPT?
The short answer is yes, under certain circumstances, a student can participate in both CPT and OPT during their academic journey in the United States. However, it's essential to consider the following:
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CPT During the Academic Program: International students can engage in CPT during their academic program, provided it is an integral part of their curriculum and directly related to their field of study. The employment must be authorized by the DSO, and the student must maintain F-1 status. CPT can be part-time which is less than 20 hours per week or full time which is more than 20 hours per week.
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OPT After Completion of the Academic Program: Upon completion of their academic program, international students are eligible to apply for OPT to gain additional practical work experience in their field of study. OPT requires approval from USCIS and must be completed within specific timelines and regulations.
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Timing and Duration: International students must carefully consider the timing and duration of both CPT and OPT to ensure compliance with regulations and maximize their opportunities for practical work experience while maintaining F-1 status. Students interested in OPT can not do 12 months of full-time CPT. This means that students doing CPT need to do a mix of part-time and full-time keeping full time to 11 months 29 days.
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STEM OPT Extension: For students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, there is an option to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after completing the initial 12-month OPT period.
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