Companies Accept Day 1 CPT

With the increasing difficulty of securing an H-1B visa, many international students are turning to Day 1 CPT to maintain their legal work status in the U.S. However, not all employers are familiar with or willing to accept it, making the job search process more challenging. One of the biggest concerns is identifying which companies are open to hiring Day 1 CPT employees. Some students also wonder if small companies are a viable option or how to approach employers who lack a clear policy on hiring Day 1 CPT candidates. Another common challenge is explaining Day 1 CPT during job interviews in a way that reassures employers while keeping the focus on professional skills rather than visa status.

In the following, we would like to share some insights and reports that we collected from our students.

Which Companies Accept Day 1 CPT?

Generally, tech companies, startups, and industries with a high demand for international talent (such as finance, data analytics, and consulting) are more open to hiring employees on Day 1 CPT. Companies that have previously hired Day 1 CPT employees are often more accepting, while larger corporations with strict compliance policies may be more hesitant.

Companies That Support Day 1 CPT:

• Amazon (Case by case)
• Google
• JPMorgan Chase
• Deloitte
• Nvidia
• ServiceNow
• Santander
• Boston Scientific
• CBRE
• Charter Communications

Companies That Do NOT Support Day 1 CPT:

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Meta
• Accenture
• Capital One
• Cisco
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Applied Materials
• C3 AI
• NTT Data Americas, Inc

📌 Note: These policies are subject to change. Always verify with HR before applying.

Can You Work for a Small Company with Day 1 CPT?

Yes! Startups and smaller companies are often more flexible and open to hiring international talent, especially if they need specialized skills but have budget constraints. Unlike larger corporations, where compliance and legal teams may impose strict policies, decision-making in small companies is often quicker and more negotiable.

That said, it’s still up to you to educate your employer about Day 1 CPT’s legitimacy and ensure your job aligns with your school’s CPT requirements.

How to Convince Employers to Support Day 1 CPT?

If an employer is unfamiliar with Day 1 CPT, here’s how you can help them understand and feel comfortable hiring you:

✅ Provide Official Documentation: Show them CPT authorization documents from your school, proving that Day 1 CPT is a legitimate work authorization.

✅ Simplify the Hiring Process: Emphasize that, unlike OPT, CPT does not require the employer to be E-Verified or handle extra paperwork beyond signing a school-provided internship agreement.

✅ Highlight Your Value: Instead of focusing on work authorization, emphasize your skills, contributions, and potential impact on the company. Show previous project results or recommendations.

✅ Give Employer Success Stories: If other companies in the industry have successfully hired employees on Day 1 CPT, share these examples to reassure them.

✅ Consult HR or an Immigration Lawyer: If your employer is hesitant, suggest they consult their legal team or an immigration lawyer for professional confirmation of CPT’s legitimacy.

How to Explain Day 1 CPT in Interviews?

During job interviews, be confident and clear when discussing Day 1 CPT:

🔹 Emphasize Its Legality:
"My school allows international students to work under Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a legally authorized program by U.S. immigration law that enables students to gain hands-on experience in their field."

🔹 Keep It Simple:
"Day 1 CPT means I can start gaining work experience from the first day of my program, and my employment is directly related to my coursework."

🔹 Focus on Your Skills, Not Your Visa:
Don’t let the conversation revolve around your immigration status. Instead, steer it toward your experience, expertise, and the value you bring to the company. If asked about your work authorization, briefly explain CPT, then shift the focus back to what you can contribute.

🔹 Prepare for Common Concerns:
If the employer asks whether CPT could affect your H-1B or green card application, you can say:
"Using CPT does not impact my future H-1B application. Also, since CPT does not require employer sponsorship, there is no extra administrative burden for the company."

🔹 Express Long-Term Commitment:
Employers may worry about job continuity. Reassure them of your interest in growing with the company:
"I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team long-term. I hope to continue growing in this role and explore future visa options together."

Conclusion

Not all companies openly accept Day 1 CPT, but with proper communication and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of securing a job. The key is to confidently present Day 1 CPT as a legitimate work authorization, reduce employer concerns, and demonstrate your value.