Day 1 CPT carries potential risks associated with status changes and F-1 visa renewal, but as long as the process is handled properly, these risks remain manageable.
Risks for Change of Status
Although Day 1 CPT generally does not impact the approval of future H-1B visa, USCIS might ask students to provide additional information via an RFE (Request for Evidence). The student must then prove that they used CPT and maintained F-1 status properly during the program.
Case Study:
Xiaomeng graduated from a STEM master’s program, after which she worked under OPT. However, she was not selected for an H-1B visa and thus decided to enroll in a Day 1 CPT program to continue working under CPT.
After being selected for an H-1B, Xiaomeng received an RFE from USCIS, requiring her to provide materials to prove she attended classes and completed required assignments.
With the assistance of an immigration attorney, Xiaomeng contacted her school and obtained the necessary documentation. As a result, she promptly responded to the RFE and successfully obtained her H-1B visa.
Risks for F-1 Visa Renewal
Although Day 1 CPT is legal, working long-term while enrolled in an academic program could raise suspicions during the F-1 visa renewal. If you need to renew your F-1 visa during CPT, you should consult with your school’s DSO or an immigration lawyer before applying for a visa.
Please refer to: F-1 Visa Renewal: Renewing During OPT or CPT
While Day 1 CPT does provide an opportunity for students to gain work experience while studying, you should still consider its potential risks. During Day 1 CPT, be sure to work closely with your school's DSO to ensure you maintain your F-1 status legally to avoid potential issues.