S2 Q&A: I'm on H-4 or L-2 - which schools let me start Day-1 CPT after changing to F-1?

It depends on the school: some partners allow Day-1 CPT after a change of status to F-1, some only with conditions, and some not at all, so I check your school's change-of-status rule before you apply. You need F-1 status (an approved change of status) before any CPT, and the approval itself is USCIS's decision, which nobody can promise. If your current status already gives you work rights, our senior admission consultant can help you weigh whether you need F-1 at all: https://goelite.com/meetings/wending/initial-consultation.