Enrolling in Day 1 CPT Programs: What to Know in 2025

Importance of Program Alignment

Under stricter policies, ensuring alignment between your Day 1 CPT program and your job responsibilities is more critical than ever. Immigration authorities are expected to closely examine whether practical training directly relates to your field of study, making it essential to choose a program that complies with visa requirements.

For example, if you enroll in a business analytics degree program, working in roles such as a market research analyst would align with your studies. Conversely, taking unrelated jobs, such as research in a toxicology lab, could lead to RFEs (Requests for Evidence) or even visa denial.

Key Points:

1. Job Alignment: In order for your school’s DSO to approve your Form I-20, your job must align with your major area of study, and not only in a broad sense. This means that the practical work experience must enhance your educational experience in your specific field of study. In a Day 1 CPT program, your employment must be an integral part of the degree program.
2. Academic Background: In order to secure a relevant job for your Day 1 CPT program, you’ll likely need to search for a position that aligns with your academic background. By applying to jobs that line up with your educational qualifications, you become a more attractive candidate for potential employers. Additionally, because your job must align with your major area of study, the major you choose for your Day 1 CPT program will presumably be related to your existing academic background.

Choosing the Right Day 1 CPT Major

Stricter policies may limit options for international students pursuing Day 1 CPT programs, especially those already holding advanced degrees. If you’ve already earned a master’s degree in a particular field, you’ll need to select a complementary program to qualify.

For instance, if you have a master’s in computer science, you might consider a degree in data science or business analytics to expand your expertise without repeating coursework. By selecting a related but distinct program, you can position yourself as a well-rounded candidate in a competitive job market.

The Versatility of MBA Programs

Amid potential policy shifts, MBA programs remain one of the most versatile and strategic options for Day 1 CPT students. The comprehensive nature of MBA programs allows students to specialize in fields like finance, IT management, or healthcare administration, making it easier to align academic studies with job responsibilities.

Even if you don’t have a business-related background, an MBA can provide broad applicability and strategic advantages in diverse industries. The flexibility of MBA programs also makes them a safer choice under stricter immigration scrutiny.

However, after the new H1B reform rules came out on Dec 17th, 2024, an MBA without a specific concentration might no longer be considered sufficiently "specialized," making it harder to secure an H1B even if selected in the lottery. But don’t worry—most students seeking a Day 1 CPT program already hold a U.S. degree that can qualify them for H1B applications. If this is you, the key focus for a Day 1 CPT program should be aligning your major with your job description to ensure compliance and strengthen your CPT authorization application.

Popular Day 1 CPT Programs in 2025

Facing tighter immigration regulations, when choosing Day 1 CPT programs in 2025, to minimize risks, students should prioritize programs at schools with strong accreditation and robust compliance records.

Updated Considerations:

• Accreditation: Ensure your school is accredited by a reputable agency to avoid complications during visa reviews.
• Program Match: Select a major that closely aligns with your job to avoid RFEs.
• Location: Choose schools near your residence to address potential concerns about long-distance commutes.
• On-Site Requirements: Programs with regular on-campus attendance can provide stronger evidence of genuine enrollment. According to USCIS guidelines, F-1 students must spend at least 50% of their course hours on campus for that one on-site course. For most graduate-level programs in the U.S., a typical course requires around 40 hours of study per semester, meaning students should attend at least 20 hours of on-site classes. Some schools adjust their program structures to require fewer credit hours, which technically allows students to spend less time on campus while still meeting the 50% requirement. However, with stricter enforcement of immigration rules, relying on such adjustments may pose risks and could invite additional scrutiny. It’s advisable to choose programs with clear and robust on-campus participation to avoid potential complications.

Adapting to Stricter Policies

With stricter enforcement on the horizon, international students should take a proactive approach when selecting Day 1 CPT programs:

1. Research Thoroughly: Verify the school’s accreditation and compliance history.
2. Align Academics and Jobs: Ensure your program directly supports your current or intended role.
3. Plan Financially: Opt for schools with reasonable tuition rates in case you need to rely on Day 1 CPT longer than anticipated.
4. Stay Flexible: Choose programs with frequent enrollment windows to adapt to unforeseen changes.

Accredited Universities Provides CPT Options 

• Westcliff University
• Sofia University 
• California Institute of Advanced Management
• New England College
• Monroe University
• Indiana Wesleyan University 
• Goldey-Beacom College

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate Day 1 CPT program is an important step in aligning your academic pursuits with your career objectives. Choosing a program that complements both your background and your career aspirations is essential to maximizing this unique opportunity.

With numerous universities offering varied Day 1 CPT programs, you have the flexibility to customize your educational journey and position yourself advantageously in the competitive U.S. job market.