Video Guide

From OPT to Day 1 CPT, one of the most common questions is "How do I minimize the gap for my work?". When you are transferring your SEVIS record from the current university that you're doing OPT with to the new Day 1 CPT university, the OPT would end and the CPT needs time for processing. This process leads to unavoidable gap to employment. How can you get prepared for the SEVIS transfer and CPT application process to minimize that gap? Lean more from this step by step guide for SEVIS transfer after your admission.

2. How is Day 1 CPT Gonna Affect My H1B and GC Application?

Many international students, after not being selected for the H1B visa lottery and with their OPT expiring, are considering Day-1 CPT.

This involves enrolling in a school that allows the use of CPT from the first day of admission, while maintaining a full-time job and waiting for the next H1B lottery opportunity. ✌️ 

Although Day-1 CPT usually does not affect H1B and green card applications, it still carries two main risks:

1️⃣ RFE for maintaining status
2️⃣ F1 visa renewal

In light of these risks, I offer three pieces of advice on how to avoid these pitfalls.

3. Top Day 1 CPT Universities in 2025!

In this updated 2025 breakdown, we’re ranking the best Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S., based on international student count, tuition & scholarships, location accessibility, and program variety. 📈 We’ll cover:

• The biggest Day 1 CPT universities by international student numbers
• Affordable Day 1 CPT schools with scholarships and tuition breakdown
• Top universities for tech & non-tech majors — including MBA, Computer Science, Data Analytics, and more
• Best locations for Day 1 CPT universities on both coasts