Day 1 CPT Program Application Process Guidelines

What is Day 1 CPT?

Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows international students on an F-1 visa to work off-campus in a job directly related to their field of study starting from the first day of their academic program. Unlike traditional CPT, which generally requires students to complete one academic year before they can begin working, Day 1 CPT bypasses this waiting period. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a program that integrates practical training, secure a job offer, and receive authorization from their school.

Eligibility Criteria for Day 1 CPT

To be eligible for Day 1 CPT, students must:

It's important to note that if not careful, participating in Day 1 CPT can impact future visa applications, such as H-1B or green card applications. It is advised to consult either a day 1 CPT expert or immigration lawyer before using it. 

Application Process for Day 1 CPT

The application process for Day 1 CPT varies by university, but there are general guidelines to follow: 

1. The General Day 1 CPT Application Guidelines:

• When considering using CPT, contact the your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to determine your CPT eligibility.
• Secure a job offer in the field of study and obtain a signed CPT Agreement from the employer.
• Submit the completed CPT application form to the DSO, usually done online.
• Upon approval, the DSO will issue a new I-20 form with CPT authorization.
• You will have to renew your CPT either every semester or every year based on your school's requirement.
• When changing employer, you will have to inform your DSO to update your I-20 information. Your DSO will also double check if the new employer also qualified and your new position is also align with your program study goal 
  
  

2. Gather the Required Documentation:

Each day 1 CPT universities' required documentation list are different, but usually involves the following: 

• A valid I-20 form from the university offering the Day 1 CPT program.
• A valid F-1 visa and passport.
• A completed CPT application form.
• A job offer letter from an employer in the student’s field of study.
• An CPT agreement signed by your employer (this can be waived in some schools)
• Pay CPT fee (not all schools have this extra charge)

3. Follow the Application Timeline

Each school is different. Many of Day 1 CPT universities will design the CPT as a course, which means you'll have to apply at the beginning of each semester. If missing the CPT application deadline, you'll have to wait for next semester to start your CPT. But there are also Day 1 CPT universities not making CPT a mediatory but rather elective part of the program, which means it has a more flexible CPT application timeline. When you secure a job offer, you can consider to talk to your DSO about applying for CPT. 

The process typically takes 1-3 days to complete, depending on the university. For those who only allow students apply CPT at the beginning of each semester, you'd better get in line sooner than later. During the rush period, due to the high volume of CPT applications, the approval process can take up to 2 weeks.

Regulatory Compliance and Maintaining Status

To maintain legal status under the Day 1 CPT program, students must adhere to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, including the termination of F-1 visa status.

• Maintaining Status: Students must be enrolled in a full-time academic program  (minimal 6 credit per semester) and make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Written approval from the DSO is required before starting any CPT employment, and students must not exceed the maximum number of hours allowed per week for CPT. Usually, in order to keep your status, Day 1 CPT universities will require you to maintain a overall GPA of 3.0. GPA lower than this may cause loss of CPT authorization or even be expelled from the program. 

• Employment Restrictions: Day 1 CPT employment must be directly related to the student’s major and must be integral to their curriculum. The employment should not displace U.S. workers or delay the student’s graduation. While you are on CPT, you can work for more than one employer at the same time. However, your employment status has to "make sense". For example, if you have two full-time job while still being a full-time students, that is obviously not "making sense" because it is not humanly possible to have these much time and energy. However, it is reasonable to have two part-time jobs at the same time, given that both of them are closely related to your field of study.   

• Reporting Requirements: All CPT employment must be reported to the DSO, who will update the student’s SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record. Failure to report or comply with employment restrictions can result in the termination of F-1 status.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While Day 1 CPT offers valuable work experience, there are potential risks that students should consider:

• Impact on Future Visas: Engaging in Day 1 CPT without strict adherence to U.S. immigration laws can jeopardize future visa applications, such as the transition from F-1 to H-1B. USCIS may scrutinize Day 1 CPT as a way to circumvent the H-1B visa cap, which could negatively impact green card applications.

• Risks of Non-Compliance: Misusing Day 1 CPT or failing to meet the stringent requirements set by immigration laws can lead to serious consequences, including deportation or being barred from re-entering the U.S. It’s critical to ensure that the CPT employment is an essential part of the academic curriculum and that all regulations are followed closely.

Conclusion

Day 1 CPT provides a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience in their field of study from the beginning of their academic program. However, it comes with strict requirements and potential risks that must be carefully navigated. By understanding the eligibility criteria, following the application process diligently, and maintaining compliance with USCIS regulations, students can make the most of this opportunity while minimizing potential issues.

Before applying, students should seek advice from educational consultants and immigration attorneys to ensure that Day 1 CPT aligns with their long-term goals and legal requirements.