Day 1 CPT is ideal for F-1 students on OPT, H-1B holders, H-4 holders, and others who are facing status expiration.
Who Should Consider Day 1 CPT?
1. OPT Students Not Selected in the H-1B Lottery
F-1 students generally have 1 year or 3 years of OPT after graduating. Those wishing to stay in the U.S. need to find an employer to sponsor an H-1B work visa before their OPT ends. However, with decreasing H-1B selection rates in recent years, many international students are not able to obtain an H-1B before their OPT expires.
In this situation, you can apply to a Day 1 CPT program for a second master’s degree or a doctoral degree, allowing you to continue your education and career in the U.S. You can also participate in the H-1B lottery while attending Day 1 CPT programs.
2. Laid-Off Foreign Workers on H-1B, L-1, or Other Work Visas
USCIS provides unemployment grace periods for various work visas. For example, OPT students have 90 unemployment days in total, and H-1B holders have a 60-day grace period if they lose their job. If you cannot find a new job or change status within this period, you must leave the country; otherwise, it will be considered unlawful presence.
If you face this challenge, you can consider enrolling in a Day 1 CPT school, either by transferring your SEVIS record or changing to F-1 status within the U.S. This allows you to continue staying in the U.S. legally. If you successfully land a new job, you can use CPT to continue working or change back to H-1B status.
3. Students Facing Expulsion
In such cases, schools usually provide a deadline for students to transfer their SEVIS record to avoid the termination of F-1 status. The flexible enrollment process of Day 1 CPT programs allows students to quickly enroll in a new school and thus prevent SEVIS termination or unlawful presence.
4. Professionals Wishing to Enter the U.S. for Work
Professionals with work experience in their home country who are unable to find an H-1B sponsor can enroll in a Day 1 CPT program. After entering the U.S. on an F-1 visa, they can pursue their studies, gain work experience by using CPT, and prepare for the H-1B lottery or other visa opportunities.
5. Parents Who Want Their Children to Study in the U.S.
Parents who want their children to attend elementary or secondary school in the U.S. may consider enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program. As F-1 visa holders, they can apply for F-2 visas for their children. F-2 visa holders can attend local public schools for free.
Compared to programs at language schools and community colleges, Day 1 CPT programs have higher visa approval rates and lower courseloads. With Day 1 CPT, parents can also engage in internships or full-time jobs.
Who Should Avoid Choosing Day 1 CPT?
1. Individuals Who Can’t Balance Work and Study
Day 1 CPT programs tend to have lighter courseloads and lower attendance requirements. However, if you are not able to balance work and study, Day 1 CPT might not be a good option.
2. Individuals without a Strong Intention to Stay in the U.S.
Enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program comes with academic, work, and financial pressures. For those who are unsure about staying in the U.S. long-term, Day 1 CPT might be less helpful.
3. Individuals Who Don't Care about Accreditation and F-1 Academic Requirements
Failing to meet the academic requirements for F-1 students or enrolling in unaccredited institutions can lead to the termination of your F-1 status. Violating the terms of F-1 status may lead to investigations by USCIS, negatively affecting your future opportunities to stay in the U.S.
4. Individuals Reluctant to Travel
Students on the coasts can often find suitable local schools that offer Day 1 CPT. However, those unable to find local schools may need to travel to other states for on-site classes. Therefore, you must also consider commuting challenges.
5. Individuals Who Don’t Plan Ahead
Attending a Day 1 CPT program requires strong planning skills. Students will need to manage SEVIS record transfers, complete CPT applications, and maintain F-1 student status by themselves.
6. Students Who Don’t Meet Minimum Requirements
While Day 1 CPT programs have lower admission standards, you still have minimum requirements. Students with a GPA below 2.5 in previous degrees, lacking English proficiency, or without college experience may be rejected by Day 1 CPT schools.
7. Students with Insufficient Financial Resources
Unless employers reimburse their tuition, students are fully responsible for the cost of their Day 1 CPT program. Tuition for low-cost Day 1 CPT programs is about $3,000 to $4,000 per semester, totaling around $16,500-18,000 for the entire program.